The Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee met on Wednesday 4 February 2026 to discuss the operational and financial performance of the crematorium. Key agenda items included a report on bereavement services, an update on capital projects and property maintenance, and a review of the crematorium's finances, including the proposed budget for the upcoming year.

Bereavement Services Managers Report

The report scheduled for discussion provided an overview of bereavement services, including cremation figures, memorial sales, and operational matters. It was noted that the crematorium remains busy, having achieved a gold standard in the Charter for the Bereaved annual assessment. The report detailed cremation figures for the last three months of 2025, showing a drop in services compared to previous years. Memorial sales, including entries in the Book of Remembrance and memorial plaques, were also presented.

Regarding operational issues, the report indicated that remedial works to cremator number 2 had been completed. Plans were also in place to repair a leak in the Danstoker boiler, which was not causing environmental issues. The report highlighted the relocation of Royal Greenwich cemetery service and mortuary business support officers to Eltham Crematorium, aiming to provide a more centralised service for bereaved individuals and funeral directors.

The report also touched upon the potential benefits of joining the Match My Project scheme, which connects businesses with community organisations for social impact. Furthermore, officers proposed exploring the creation of a dedicated website for Eltham Crematorium to offer an interactive platform for viewing facilities and memorial options.

In terms of grounds and chapels, the crematorium had submitted documentation for the Green Flag award. Plans were underway for the refurbishment of the North Chapel, with works anticipated to begin in August 2026. During this period, the Cemeteries Burial Chapel would be used for cremation services, requiring collaboration with funeral directors and Royal Borough of Greenwich cemetery services. The report also referenced the success of a community event, Light Up The Night With Carols, held in December 2025, with a similar event planned for December 2026.

Report of Programme Manager, Capital Projects & Property Maintenance

This report provided an update on the 3-year works programme for the period 2024-2027. Following a competitive tender, Total Protection (Holdings) Ltd had been appointed to deliver the programme for a sum of £1,394,874.60. The report noted a projected shortfall of £104,385 against the allocated budget for 2026/27, which had yet to be agreed. The Joint Committee was asked to consider confirming a budget adjustment to cover this shortfall or deferring work from 2026/27 to 2027/28.

The report also proposed re-profiling the 3-year budget to facilitate works in 2025/26 and 2026/27. This would involve moving the North Chapel refurbishment to a later date to allow for wider cemetery repairs, funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This approach would enable the crematorium to continue offering services in the Burial Chapel while the North Chapel was refurbished, thereby minimising disruption to service provision.

Progress on completed works included repointing to the chapel yard and WC cloisters, refurbishment of the West Chapel Waiting Room, and renewal of office facilities and blinds. Drainage works in the rose garden and vestry/disabled WC upgrades were programmed for completion by the end of March 2026. Window installations for the Flower Pavilion were also scheduled for March 2026. Works planned for April 2026 to March 2027 included the Waiting Room WCs and the North Chapel and waiting room refurbishment.

Finance Managers Treasurer Report

This report presented the projected financial position at Period 9 (December 2025/26) and outlined proposals for the 2026/27 financial year. The projected financial position indicated an overspend of £184,015 for the year, after accounting for budgeted distribution payments. Variances were noted in employee costs, premises costs (with an underspend on gas), and supplies and services (an overspend on webcasting fees offset by income). Income projections showed a drawdown from reserves for programmed property works, offset by a shortfall in cremation numbers.

The Repairs & Renewals Reserve was projected to have a closing balance of £550,000 for 2025/26. The Donations Reserve was expected to close the financial year with £16.1 million. The report also detailed distribution payments made to constituent authorities (Royal Borough of Greenwich, Bexley, and Dartford Borough Council) between 2019/20 and 2025/26.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Joint Committee was asked to approve proposed fees and charges for cremation and memorial services, which had been increased by 3.8%, 5%, and 10% for illustrative purposes. Comparative data from the Southeast region indicated that Eltham Crematorium's current fees were below the average. The report also presented draft budget proposals for 2026/27, incorporating a 5% increase in fees and adjustments to staffing, utilities, running costs, and repairs and maintenance budgets. The committee was asked to agree on the draft budget for 2026/27.