The North East Surrey Crematorium Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 23 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on the crematorium's operations and finances, as well as discussions on ongoing projects.

Report of the Surveyor

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on the management of the crematorium for the period of March and April 2026. This report will cover various aspects of the crematorium's operations, including its opening hours, cremation statistics, and the condition of its facilities.

The report details that the opening hours for the cemetery have been adjusted over recent years, with current hours varying by day and season. Wandsworth Council and Enable are continuing to explore options for further adjustments to opening hours, with staff availability being a key consideration.

Cremation numbers for the financial year 2025/26 are reported to be 1,930, which is close to the target of 1,950. The target for the upcoming financial year 2026/27 is also set at 1,950 cremations.

The report also provides an update on several ongoing projects. The installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Building of Remembrance is proposed, with an estimated cost of £30,000 and projected electricity savings of £47,867 over 20 years. The Board will consider this installation.

Furthermore, the report outlines the progress on constructing a new pedestrian footpath at Morden Cemetery. This project requires a licence agreement with Wandsworth Council, and the Board will consider approving the transaction to enter into this licence. The estimated cost for the footpath, including lighting, is £193,998.

The report also includes updates on the Tree of Life fountain project, which has identified a specialist contractor. Options for its upgrade range from a mechanical upgrade only at £25,000 to a full scope including a new base at £40,000.

Finally, the report mentions that a structured feedback process for funeral directors and users of the crematorium is being developed.

Report of the Treasurer

The Treasurer's report will provide an update on the Board's financial position. This includes the Annual Review of Internal Control, progress on Major Works & Projects, performance against the Management Agreement budget, the Board's accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026, and the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the same period.

The Annual Internal Audit Report from the South West London Audit Partnership gives a reasonable assurance opinion on the effectiveness of internal controls. Recommendations include increasing the frequency of bank reconciliations to monthly, updating the crematorium's website with a clear Privacy Notice, and standardising procurement reporting and financial regulations.

Regarding Major Works & Projects, there is a projected underspend of £3,708 against the approved budget of £47,000 for 2025/26. Projects that are delayed will have their residual budgets rolled forward.

The Management Agreement performance for 2025/26 shows an underspend of £69,619 against the approved budget of £785,300.

The Board's accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026 show a surplus of £503,115. Retained funds total £1,217,267, with £850,000 set aside in the Cremator Replacement Reserve.

The Board will consider approving Section 1 (Annual Governance Statement) and Section 2 (Accounting Statements) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the year ending 31 March 2026.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting will also cover standard procedural items, including welcome and introductions, apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and any urgent items. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 March 2026 are to be considered for approval. Additionally, the Board will discuss the appointment of its Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year, following established rotation conventions. A decision will also be made on whether to exclude the press and public for specific agenda items that may involve the disclosure of exempt information. The date of the next meeting, scheduled for 8 September, will also be confirmed.