(i)            RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th November 2020 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(ii)          Matters Arising – There were no matters arising

The Chairman and Committee expressed thanks to the Crematorium Manager and staff for their continued work during the current difficult times.

(i)         Covid Crisis Update

It was noted:

That the number of mourners permitted remained at 30, unchanged by the lockdown. Post-funeral events were now limited to 6 people (from 15).

The crematorium although extremely busy has continued to operate without the need for any measures to provide additional service times. Since the end of November there had been 29 deaths that had listed Covid as the primary cause of death.

(ii)        Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) Funerals Market Investigation.

It was noted that the CMA had produced their final report regarding both funeral directors and crematoria. The report stated that local authority crematoria fees were higher than should be expected (£80-£170) due to an average 6% increase over the last 10 years. Privately run crematoria fees were higher still.

The annual review of surrounding crematoria’s pricing demonstrated that, despite significant upgrading of facilities, North Devon’s fees were about £285 lower than nearby privately run crematoria and over £100 lower than the nearest local authority Crematorium (no organist).

The report encouraged Local Authorities to enter into a tendering process with local funeral providers to offer a fixed (reduced) cost funeral service.

The Crematorium Manager stated that he would investigate the tendering process and whether it could be undertaken on a Crematorium basis only on behalf of both authorities or whether each authority would have to undertake its own tendering process.

(iii)       Achievements

That the Car park had been re-covered in new stone and the bulk materials area cleared.

(iv)       Metals Recycling Charity Award

That Clarity had been awarded £10,000 (paid direct December 2020). The ‘formal cheque presentation’ had not yet taken place.

The Calvert Trust (Exmoor) had been proposed for the next award (due June 2021).

Subsequent nomination list:

Over and Above (Cancer & Wellbeing Centre)

Families in Grief

North Devon Children’s Holiday Foundation

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

Over and Above (North Devon Hospital – Maternity Unit Bereavement Suite)

Clarity

Calvert Trust

No further additions to be considered prior to February 2022.

(v)        Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted.

(vi)       Garden Improvements 2020/21

It was noted:

That the Path work’s, half the hedge had been removed and fencing had been completed.

That the following had been ordered: ground preparation & metal supports for the ‘sail’ weather protection outside Rowan Chapel.

That the following had not yet been ordered: Remainder hedge works, sails, new hedges. It is anticipated these will be ordered shortly.

That the Lead Gardener has had some serious personal issues, which had put pressure on the gardening team and therefore a limited programme of

improvements (linking resin paths, bulk material area fence and hedge replacement work’s) was proposed for 2021/22.

It was agreed that a card be sent to the Lead Gardener on behalf of the joint committee expressing the Committee’s thoughts at this very difficult time.

(vii)      Larkbear Development – Traffic Management

It was noted that the Traffic order was being drafted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

RESOLVED that on consideration of a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the budget, and charges 2021/2022.

(i)    That the basic Cremation charge for 2021/22 of £730 be approved as detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report

(ii)  That the 2021/22 budget as set out in paragraph 3 of the report be approved.

(iii)That the fees and charges for 2021/22 as detailed in paragraph 6.2 and appendix 2 be approved.

(iv)That the distribution of surpluses for 2020/21 of £347,680 to the constituent authorities: £208,608 to North Devon Council and £139,072 to Torridge District Council be approve.

(v)  That the transfer of £95,480 to the Equipment Replacement Reserve be approved