The Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee met to discuss financial matters, note updates to the crematorium grounds and building, and consider the next steps for replacing the cremator equipment. The committee noted the projected financial position, the repairs and renewals balance, the donations balance, and the distribution payments made to constituent authorities. They also noted the information provided in the Bereavement Services Managers Report regarding cremation, memorial sales and operational issues, as well as the agreement to appoint a consultant.

Financial Performance and Projections

The committee reviewed and approved the Finance Managers Treasurer Report, which included a summary of the projected financial position at Period 5 of the 2025/26 financial year. The report projected an underspend of £106,172 for the year, after budgeted distribution payments.

The report also detailed the Repairs & Renewals Reserve, which had a closing balance of £530,000 at the end of the 2024/25 financial year, with a projected closing balance of £550,000 for the current year.

The Donations Reserve, which is used for improvements to enhance facilities for mourners, had a closing balance of £15,100 at the end of 2024/25, with a projected closing balance of £16,100 for the current year.

Finally, the report included a table showing the distribution budgets and actual payments made to constituent authorities between 2019/20 and 2024/25, and the budgeted amount for this financial year.

Crematorium Operations and Maintenance

The committee discussed the Bereavement Services Managers Report, which provided updates on cremation numbers, memorial sales, and various operational issues. The committee noted the information in the report.

Cremator Maintenance and Replacement

Planned servicing and maintenance of the cremators took place in July 2025. The secondary chamber to Cremator 1 will be monitored, but remedial work is required on Cremator 2 before the next service visit. The Danstocker boiler has developed a hole, and a quote for repairs is awaited.

At the previous meeting, members requested more in-depth financial and technical analysis for the installation of new cremators. Following discussions, members agreed via email to appoint a specialist consultant to assist with the report. Councillor David Leaf specifically requested information on the expected number of days of work, the specification given, and assurances of how the work will remain focused and within budget. Officers are seeking further advice and will report back.

Grounds and Building Improvements

The committee received an update on the 3-year works programme from the Programme Manager, Capital Projects & Property Maintenance, and noted the progress.

Several projects have been completed or are underway:

• Repointing to Chapel Yard and Cloisters is complete.
• The West Chapel meeting room is complete.
• The office kitchen and toilet are complete.
• Scaffolding is being dismantled.
• Roofing work is 90% complete.
• Pond refurbishment is 75% complete.
• Drainage design has been agreed, with work to start after the pond works are complete.
• Path renewal is scheduled to start after the drainage works.
• Work on a disabled WC is to be agreed.
• Vestry WC works are to start when the disabled WC work begins.

The Eltham Crematorium team achieved a gold award in the London in Bloom Awards¹ this year. Following a tree survey, six dead trees were removed, and others were reduced to allow more light into the woodland areas. The PEOS Arborist Team provided a quote for the works and donated 13 new trees for the Crematorium Grounds. The operational team has planted magnolia, weeping elm, thorn, common elm, and hawthorn trees.

Specialist pond contractors have emptied the large garden of remembrance pond, relocating all aquatic life to holding tanks. Work is underway to deepen the base of the pond, including new filtration and a bog garden.

Drainage engineers and crematorium operatives have agreed on a process to install additional drainage around the memorial beds to disperse excessive water.

Roof works are underway and have not caused any adverse effects to services. Noisy works have been completed outside of service times, and the website has been updated to inform visitors of the works.

Staffing and Reorganisation

All staff affected by the re-organisation have been assimilated to their new positions or been successful at interview for new positions. One member of the team took compulsory redundancy and retired.

The relocation of the Cemetery service is underway and will be based at Eltham Crematorium, including the cemetery and mortuary business officers. This will provide easier access for the bereaved and funeral directors, and reduce travel across the borough. This reorganisation centralises the services under one line of management to create efficiencies and consistency. All budgets and financial management relating to EC will remain separate to the RBG Mortuary and Cemetery Services, with reassurances maintained via the annual audit.