There were no apologies were received.

(attached)

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th November 2022 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters Arising. There were no matters arising.

There were no items of urgency.

There were no declarations of interest declared.

Report by the Crematorium Manager (attached).

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager (previously circulated).

i)          Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted:

That Over and Above had been nominated for a ‘one-off award’ in accordance with the Joint Committee’s decision in November 2022. Thereafter, North Devon Hospice would be the next nominee in line with the current rota:

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

Families in Grief

ii)         Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted. It was also noted that the January figure was 179 and that to date 165 had been booked for February.

It was also noted that the current increase in the death rate, which had been nationally reported, had resulted in North Devon Crematorium temporarily offering additional service times (lunchtime and 8am), together with the ability to change the type of direct and short services to full services.

iii)        Vandalism Damage (including additional incidents)

It was noted that Devon & Cornwall Police had been unable to progress the

roofing/skylight damage investigation to a prosecution due to conflicting

accounts from those interviewed.

Burglary & theft – Overnight Thursday 8^th December 2022. A suspect smashed the reception side door and entered the offices. This triggered the alarm and on the arrival of the security company the suspect made off with a stolen coat, first aid kit and a laptop. He was arrested nearby by police and all property was recovered unharmed. He has been referred to the Crown

prosecution Service (CPS) to consider whether to prosecute.

Theft of £4,000 of plastic boards - Monday 9^th January 2023. The manager saw two suspects with a pick-up who had almost completed loading the

crematorium property. He challenged them, recording the incident on a mobile phone, seized their vehicle keys, made the suspects unload their vehicle and called the police. One suspect made off before their arrival but the other (van driver) was arrested and has been referred to the CPS for consideration whether to charge. All property recovered.

The Joint Committee recorded its thanks to the Crematorium Manager for his efforts and diligence in going over and above his duties to reduce the

consequences of these incidents.

iv)        Phase B Works (Garage/Memorial Room)

It was noted that three compliant tenders had been received, none of which

were accepted. Two appeared to be speculative as they were over double the

pre-tender estimate and one failed on competence (evidence only of low value, simple projects). The project was put out for tenders again and 4 tenders

received. The lowest tender received was however, over budget (report tabled). Changes had however been identified to reduce the cost – reduced scope for the car park works and anticipated drainage savings. The revised project cost was £546,450. The projected shortfall was £162,183.

RESOLVED:

a)         That the lowest revised compliant tender quote of be accepted.

b)         That the shortfall be funded from the Budget Management Reserve and Equipment Replacement Reserve.

v)         Medical Referee

It was noted that the National implementation of the Medical  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Report by the Treasurer (attached).

The Joint Committee noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for quarter 3 April to December 2022/2023.

It was noted that the predicted deficit maybe due to the increase in cremations become a surplus at the end of the year.

Report by the Treasurer (attached).

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the budget, fees and charges for 2023/2024.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the basic Cremation charge for 2023/24 of £810 be approved as detailed in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

(ii)          That the 2023/24 budget as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved.

(iii)         That the fees and charges for 2023/24 as detailed in paragraph 4.6 and appendix 2 be approved.

(iv)         That the distribution of surpluses for 2022/23 of £416,230 to the constituent authorities: £249,740 to North Devon Council and £166,490 to Torridge District Council be approve.

(v)          That the transfer of £100,000 to the Equipment Replacement Reserve be approved.