Apologies were received from Councillors Denton and Renshaw.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th August 2023 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no matters arising.

There were no items of urgency.

Declarations of Interests. (Please telephone the Corporate and Community Services team to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting. Interests must be re-declared when the item is called. A declaration of interest under the Code of Conduct will be a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, an Other Registrable Interest or a Non-Registrable Interest.  If the item directly relates to your interest you must declare the interest and leave the room for the item, save in the case of Other Registrable Interests or Non-Registrable Interests where you may first speak on the item as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak.  If the matter does not directly relate to your interest but still affects it then you must consider whether you are affected to a greater extent than most people and whether a reasonable person would consider your judgement to be clouded, if you are then you must leave the room for the item (although you may speak as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak) or, if you are not, then you can declare the interest but still take part).

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 North Devon Hospice had been nominated for the next award (probably December 2023) and that Cruse would be the next nomination in line with the current rota.

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

Families in Grief

North Devon Hospice

ii)         Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted. The actual figure for October was 131.

iii)        Phase B Works (Garage/Memorial Room)

It was noted that the works would be completed by end of November 2023.

iv)        Direct Cremations

It was noted that the cremation numbers for the 6-months of operation were:

v)         Crematorium Organist

It was noted that the Crematorium Organist Contract ended on 4^th February 2024 and was being re-tendered for 3 years + 2 year option.

vi)        PETROC Intern

It was noted that a Petroc student with an interest in horticulture was being supported with a support worker in the next couple of weeks for 400 hours.

The Crematorium Manager reported that Jeremy Mann was leaving North Devon Council and that Sarah Higgins would be the new NDC support Lead Officer.

In answer to a question, the Crematorium Manager stated the NDC were looking at funding opportunities to provide solar panel at the Crematorium.

Report by the Treasurer (attached)

The Joint Committee noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for quarter 2 April to September 2023/2024.

Recommended that the following dates be agreed:

            Friday 7^th June 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

            Friday 2^nd August 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

            Friday 1^st  November 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

            Friday 7^th February 2025 @ 2.30 p.m.

RESOLVED that the following dates for 2024/2025 be agreed:

Friday 7^th June 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

Friday 2^nd August 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

Friday 1^st November 2024 @ 2.30 p.m.

Friday 7^th February 2025 @ 2.30 p.m.

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Friday 2^nd February 2024 @

2.30 p.m.