The North East Surrey Crematorium Board met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to review the Surveyor's and Treasurer's reports. The meeting was scheduled to discuss operational updates, financial performance, and ongoing projects at the crematorium.

Report of the Surveyor

The Surveyor's report provided an update on the management of the crematorium for the period of March to April 2026. It detailed business-level activity, noting that the number of cremations in the financial year 2025/26 was 1,930, which was close to the target of 1,950. The target for the financial year 2026/27 was also set at 1,950 cremations.

The report also covered performance monitoring, with exterior and interior aspects of the crematorium and grounds found to be in good repair. Emissions reports to Merton's Environmental Health Officer showed no issues, and statutory paperwork for cremations was examined and found to be correctly administered.

Updates on ongoing projects were provided, including the pedestrian pathway project (CNS004), which was progressing with legal agreements being sought with Wandsworth Council. The Tree of Life fountain project (CNS007) was also mentioned, with a specialised contractor identified and options for upgrade presented. The installation of PV panels on the Building of Remembrance (CNS008) was also discussed, with an estimated cost and projected electricity savings.

The Surveyor's report included recommendations to approve the findings for the management of the crematorium for March-April 2026, proceed with the installation of PV panels at an estimated cost of £30,000, and approve the transaction to enter into a licence with Wandsworth Council for the construction of the footpath and installation of lights.

Report of the Treasurer

The Treasurer's report provided an update on the Annual Review of Internal Control, progress against Major Works & Projects, performance against the Management Agreement Annual Budget, the Board's Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026, and the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the same period.

The report recommended noting the Annual Internal Audit Report and endorsing proposed management actions, approving the re-appointment of the South West London Audit Partnership as internal auditors, and approving the Board's Accounts for 2025/26. It also recommended approving Section 1 (Annual Governance Statement) and Section 2 (Accounting Statements) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

Key matters arising from previous meetings included ongoing discussions with Enable regarding staff wellbeing charges, a review of Worldpay/card payment options, and a query regarding funeral directors who are the biggest users of the Board's services.

The Annual Review of Internal Control gave a reasonable assurance opinion, with recommendations made regarding bank reconciliations, updating the website with a Privacy Notice, and ensuring detailed procurement reports from Enable.

Progress on Major Works & Projects showed a year-end underspend of £3,708 against the approved budget of £47,000. The Management Agreement performance for 2025/26 showed a year-end underspend of £69,619 against the approved budget of £785,300.

The Board's Accounts for 2025/26 showed a surplus for the year of £503,115, with retained funds totalling £1,217,267. The Cremator Replacement reserve stood at £850,000, and the Common Fund reserve was £367,267.

The report also detailed the requirements for approving and submitting the Annual Governance and Accountability Return, with recommendations to approve Sections 1 and 2 of the return.

The meeting was also scheduled to address apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and any urgent items. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 March 2026 were to be approved. Additionally, the Board was to appoint a Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year, following established conventions. The possibility of excluding the press and public for certain agenda items was also noted, should they involve the disclosure of exempt information. The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 8 September.