The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to review operational performance, financial monitoring, and risk management. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the crematorium's performance in the last quarter, its financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, and an update on the risk register.

Quarterly Performance and Operational Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters from the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar, Graham Harrison. The report covered the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026. It indicated an increase in the number of cremations compared to the previous year, with 419 cremations undertaken during this period, an increase of 15 from the same period in 2024/25. The report also detailed the number of memorials sold, noting a slight increase in income. Information was also to be shared regarding the staffing situation, with a vacant crematorium attendant position advertised and casual staff being used to cover. The submission of an application for the Green Flag Award in 2026 was mentioned, with the outcome to be shared at a future meeting. Additionally, an update was to be provided on the ICCM recycling metals scheme, which benefits Diabetes UK and St Oswald's Hospice.

Financial Monitoring Report

A joint report from the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment and the Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer provided details of the provisional outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year and the projected level of reserves and balances as at 31 March 2026. The projected revenue outturn indicated a surplus of £579,378, which was £159,246 more than the budgeted surplus. This was attributed to an increase in cremations and associated income, alongside underspends in areas such as premises costs, partly due to delayed works and lower energy costs. However, there were overspends in supplies and services, including medical referee fees, the Wesley Music System, and customer CDs, DVDs, and webcasting. The report also detailed the projected total reserves and balances at the year-end, forecast to be £1,080,699.

Risk Register Update

The committee was to review the risk register for the 2025/26 period. A joint report from the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment and the Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer outlined the outcome of the biannual risk review. The report stated that both the service risk register and the health and safety risk register are maintained in accordance with Durham County Council's methodology. No significant changes were reported since the previous review, with all identified risks evaluated as being within the council's risk appetite. A minor update was noted regarding the reduction in the number of relief cremation attendants, which had not significantly impacted service delivery.

Update on New External Auditor

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided by the Finance Manager for Neighbourhoods & Environment regarding the appointment of a new external auditor. It was noted that the current external auditor would cease their appointment, and a procurement process was underway to appoint a replacement from May 2026. A report on the new provision was to be shared at the next meeting.