Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 25, 2025

Purpose: Thanet Crematorium has 2 gas fuelled cremators which were purchased from and installed by Facultatieve Technologies Limited. They have continued to maintain and service them since purchase and both remain in good working order meeting current emissions standards.   Market testing has been carried out but the nature of the technology associated with cremators means that suppliers will only service and maintain cremators which they have supplied.   A ten year cremator and mercury abatement service and maintenance contract would see the cremators serviced and maintained for the rest of their useful life. The cost of this contract would be £835,590 + VAT if procured through the YPO Framework.  

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   To grant permission to use the YPO public sector framework, Crematoria Solutions III - 1032 to procure a service and maintenance contract with Facultatieve Technologies Limited;   2.  To allow the procurement and award of a contract, under the above framework, to implement a service and maintenance contract for the cremators and mercury abatement at Thanet Crematorium.

Reasons for the decision: A market testing exercise was conducted but the nature of the technology associated with cremators means that suppliers will only service and maintain cremators which they have supplied.   The technology behind the system means that they can be accessed and controlled remotely which is only available to the suppliers.

Alternative options considered: Alternative 1 - Do Nothing - This would mean having no service or maintenance contract in place and dealing with maintenance issues and breakdowns as they occur. Lack of servicing is likely to lead to more significant maintenance issues. This could lead to complete system breakdown and outage for considerable periods of time leading to loss of income and reputational damage.   Alternative 2 - Agree to a shorter contract - The servicing and maintenance requirement will be there for 10 years which will mean procuring a new contract when a shortened one expires.