The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the crematorium's performance and financial standing, alongside an update on its risk register and the internal audit charter. A new policy regarding uncollected ashes remains is also scheduled for consideration.

Performance and Operational Report

The committee is set to receive an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters. This report, prepared by Graham Harrison, Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar, will cover the period from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026. It is expected to detail the number of cremations undertaken, noting a slight increase of two compared to the same period last year, with 333 cremations performed. The report will also outline the geographical breakdown of where families originated from, with 180 from Durham, 80 from Gateshead, and 73 from outside the immediate area. Memorial sales are also detailed, showing an increase in the number of memorials sold but a decrease in income compared to the previous year. Operational matters to be noted include the success of the 60-year anniversary open day and the crematorium's fifteenth consecutive Green Flag Award. The report also presents the Service Asset Management Plan, which outlines essential and desirable works for the crematorium, with priority 1 works for 2027/28 estimated at £184,400.

Financial Monitoring Report

A joint report from Mark Jackson, Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment, and Paul Darby, Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer, will provide details on the crematorium's financial position. The report covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026 and includes a projected revenue outturn for the financial year ending 31 March 2027. It indicates a projected surplus of £448,136, which is significantly higher than the budgeted surplus. The report also details the forecast position of the Joint Committee's funds and reserves, which are projected to total £1,194,724 by the end of the financial year.

Risk Register Update

The committee will review the Risk Register for 2026/27, as part of a biannual risk review. This report, also from Mark Jackson and Paul Darby, details the outcome of a comprehensive refresh of the service risk register. The refresh has modernised risk descriptions, causes, impacts, and controls, and while no material changes to the overall risk profile have been identified, all active risks remain within the approved risk appetite. The report highlights that risks such as Demand for Cremation Services Exceeds Operational Capacity and Health, Safety and Regulatory Compliance are rated as 'Treat' risks, while Workforce Resilience and Governance and Partnership Arrangements are rated as 'Tolerate'.

Internal Audit Charter and Annual Review

Two reports concerning internal audit are scheduled for discussion. The first, presented by Tracy Henderson, Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager, seeks agreement on the Internal Audit Charter for reviews undertaken as part of the 2026/27 Internal Audit plan. The charter defines the service's purpose, authority, and responsibility, and has been updated to reflect changes in global and UK public sector standards. The second report, from Mark Jackson and Paul Darby, provides an annual review of the effectiveness of the Durham County Council Internal Audit Service, as assessed by the County Council's Audit Committee. This review confirms that the service generally conforms with the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector, with a Quality Improvement and Assurance Programme in place to further strengthen its arrangements.

Budget Strategy Report

Mark Jackson and Paul Darby will also present a Budget Strategy Report outlining issues for consideration in the medium-term financial planning for Mountsett Crematorium. The report highlights significant capital investment since 2009, totalling over £4.3 million, with further investments of around £2 million planned. It proposes an increase in fees and charges for cremations to £1,060, which would still remain below the regional average. The report also confirms that the current surplus distribution to partner authorities will remain unchanged. The medium-term budget forecast indicates that, subject to the proposed fee increase, reserve balances are projected to be sufficient to meet the Joint Committee's liabilities for the coming years.

Uncollected Ashes Remains Policy

Graham Harrison, Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar, will present a proposed policy for the Management of Uncollected Ashes Remains for Mountsett and Durham Crematoria. The policy aims to establish a clear operational framework for handling ashes that are not collected by applicants or funeral directors, addressing practical storage pressures and ensuring respectful final disposition. It proposes a retention period of up to 12 months, with staged contact procedures, and acknowledges emerging recommendations from the Law Commission regarding the return of uncollected ashes from funeral directors. The committee is asked to approve the policy and agree to review it after one year.