The West Herts. Crematorium Joint Committee meeting on Monday 17 June 2024 focused on financial reports and governance arrangements. Key decisions included the approval of the Treasurer's report and the draft outturn report for 2023-24.

Financial Reports

Treasurer's Report

The committee reviewed the Treasurer's report, which provided an updated financial overview. The report highlighted the crematorium's financial performance and included detailed budget forecasts. The committee approved the report after discussing the implications of the financial data presented.

Draft Outturn Report 2023-24

The Draft Outturn Report 2023-24 was presented, summarising the financial results for the year. The report showed a positive variance against the budget, attributed to higher-than-expected income from cremation services. The committee approved the report, noting its importance for future financial planning.

Budget Forecast 2024-25

The Budget Forecast 2024-25 was discussed, outlining projected income and expenditures for the upcoming year. The forecast included considerations for potential increases in operational costs and anticipated revenue streams. The committee emphasised the need for cautious financial management to ensure sustainability.

Small Body Annual Return 2023-24

The Draft Small Body Annual Return 2023-24 was reviewed. This document is a statutory requirement for smaller authorities, summarising the financial activities and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. The committee approved the return, ensuring all regulatory obligations were met.

Statement of Accounts 2023-24

The Draft Statement of Accounts 2023-24 was presented for approval. This document provided a comprehensive overview of the crematorium's financial position, including assets, liabilities, and equity. The committee approved the statement, recognising its role in maintaining financial transparency.

Auditor's Report 2022-23

The Auditor's Report 2022-23 was discussed, highlighting the findings of the external audit. The report confirmed that the financial statements were accurate and free from material misstatements. The committee acknowledged the auditor's recommendations for improving financial controls and approved the report.

Governance Arrangements

Governance Arrangements Review

The committee reviewed the West Herts Crematoria Governance Arrangements. This document outlined the operational and administrative framework governing the crematorium. The committee discussed potential updates to enhance efficiency and accountability, ultimately approving the proposed governance structure.

Manager's Report

The Manager's Report provided an operational update, including maintenance activities, service performance, and customer feedback. The report highlighted ongoing projects aimed at improving service delivery and facility management. The committee noted the report's findings and commended the management team for their efforts.