The North East Surrey Crematorium Board met on 10 March 2026 to review the Surveyor's report on the crematorium's management and operations for the quarter ending February 2026, and to consider the Treasurer's report on financial matters. The meeting agenda also included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a discussion on the exclusion of the press and public for certain items.

Report of the Surveyor

The Surveyor's report provided an update on the management of the crematorium for the period December 2025 to February 2026. It noted that cremation numbers up to January 2026 were below the revised target for the financial year 2025/26, which had been set at 1,700. The report detailed the condition of the crematorium and grounds, stating they were in good repair, and confirmed that emissions reports to Merton's Environmental Health Officer had been satisfactory. Statutory paperwork for cremations was examined and found to be correctly administered.

The report also included updates on ongoing projects. For the Main Drive Pedestrian Pathway (project CNS 004), it was noted that an agreement between Wandsworth Council and the North East Surrey Crematorium Board (NESCB) regarding maintenance costs was on hold due to issues with information on the electrical supply for proposed new lamp posts. An electrical contractor was appointed to survey the existing installation. For the Tree of Life fountain refurbishment (project CNS 007), following two unsuccessful tender exercises, a design team was appointed, and a new tender process in January 2026 received a return of £39,981.00, for which Board approval was sought. The report also mentioned the feasibility for installing PV panels on the roof of the Remembrance Building (project CNS 008) was being explored, with an electrical contractor appointed to survey the existing installation.

The Surveyor's report recommended approving the findings for the management of the crematorium for the past three months and proceeding with the appointment of the contractor for the Tree of Life fountain project.

Report of the Treasurer

The Treasurer's report provided a financial update, including the revised budget for 2026/27. This revision reflected a reduction in anticipated cremation activity from 1,900 to 1,800 chargeable cremations, based on the observed national increase in direct cremations impacting services at the North East Surrey Crematorium. This reduction was estimated to decrease income by £70,000, leading to a proposed reduction in the distribution of surplus balances from £400,000 to £350,000. The report also incorporated expected increases in Business Rates and updated expenditure levels for Major Works & Projects.

The report detailed the performance against the Management Agreement Annual Budget for 2025/26, forecasting an overall underspend of £51,300. Significant variations included an underspend in staffing costs due to reduced gardener hours and a lower-than-expected requirement for sickness contingency. Planned maintenance also showed a forecast underspend, with a provision for remaining costs. Utility costs were noted as an area of potential variance due to billing delays. The cost of memorials was showing an underspend, reflecting a slowdown in sales and efforts to control expenditure.

Interim Accounts for 2025/26 were presented, showing actual income and expenditure to date against approved budgets. The forecast for cremation income was expected to be in line with the approved budget, assuming 1,700 chargeable cremations. Income from memorial sales was forecast to surpass the previous financial year's level but was expected to be £10,000 under budget. The report provided details on the availability and sales of memorial spaces in the Serenity Garden.

The Treasurer's report recommended noting the amended budget for 2026/27, the latest reported position for Major Works & Projects, the Management Agreement performance, and the Interim Accounts.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Board was scheduled to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, which was held on 2 December 2025. The minutes from that meeting indicated discussions on cremation numbers, opening hours, and various projects including a pedestrian pathway, fountain refurbishment, and a heat decarbonisation plan. Financial matters, including fees and charges, income and expenditure estimates, and the distribution of surplus balances, were also addressed.

Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 23 June 2026 at the North East Surrey Crematorium.