The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 29 April 2026 was set to review operational performance, financial monitoring, and risk management. Discussions were also planned regarding crematorium seating and the approval of the 2026/27 Service Level Agreement and fees and charges.

Quarterly Performance and Operational Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the performance and operational matters of the Central Durham Crematorium. The report indicated that between January and March 2026, there were 612 cremations, a decrease of 32 compared to the same period the previous year. For the full financial year 2025/26, the total number of cremations was 2,189, which was 111 fewer than budgeted. The report also detailed memorial sales, noting a slight decrease in both the number of memorials sold and the income generated in the January to March 2026 period compared to the previous year. Staffing levels were also mentioned, with the report noting the need for casual relief staff due to long-term sick leave. The committee was also to be informed about the upcoming Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain, and the distribution of funds from the recycling of metals scheme to charities, including the Northeast Air Ambulance and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Financial Monitoring Report

A review of the financial performance for the period ending 31 March 2026 was scheduled. The provisional revenue outturn indicated a surplus of £1,221,250, which was £22,804 less than the budgeted surplus. This variance was attributed to a decrease in cremation fee income, largely due to a lower number of cremations than anticipated. The report also detailed the projected level of reserves and balances, forecasting a total of £2,811,325 at the year-end. Significant variances in expenditure were noted, including an underspend in premises costs due to energy budget savings and delays in scheduled maintenance works, and an overspend in supplies and services, partly due to increased demand for customer CDs, DVDs, and webcasting services. The capital programme showed an underspend on the installation of a resin pathway and the deferral of cremator re-lining work to the next financial year.

Risk Register Update

The committee was to be presented with the biannual review of the risk register for the 2025/26 reporting year. The report indicated that both the service risk register and the health and safety risk register were maintained in accordance with Durham County Council's methodology. No significant changes were reported since the previous review, with all identified risks remaining within the council's risk appetite. A minor update was noted regarding the reduction in the number of Relief Cremation Attendants/Standby Cremator Operators from three to two, which had not significantly impacted service delivery.

Crematorium Seating

Councillor Amanda Hopgood was scheduled to raise the topic of crematorium seating.

Fees and Charges 2026/27 and 2026/27 Revenue and Capital Budgets

The committee was to consider proposed fees and charges for the Central Durham Crematorium for the 2026/27 financial year. This included a proposed £50 increase to cremation charges, bringing the fee to £1,025. The report indicated that this fee would remain competitive within the region. Increases were also proposed for memorial and visual tribute fees. Discussions were expected regarding the potential impact of fee increases on service choices and income. Alongside this, the proposed revenue and capital budgets for 2026/27 were to be presented, outlining anticipated income and expenditure, including adjustments for pay awards, repairs and maintenance, and the redistribution of surpluses to constituent authorities.

Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Support Services 2026/27

The proposed Service Level Agreement for support services provided by Durham County Council to the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee for the period April 2026 to March 2027 was scheduled for consideration. The proposed charge for these services, including management, financial, administration, payroll, and human resources, was £43,576, with an additional £7,800 for Internal Audit and Risk Management. This represented a 4% increase on the previous year's charges.

Internal Audit Charter

The committee was to consider a report seeking agreement on the Internal Audit Charter. This charter had been revised to align with new Global Internal Audit Standards for the UK Public Sector and CIPFA's Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in UK Local Government.