The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday 30 January 2026 to discuss the crematorium's operational performance, financial position, and budget for the upcoming year. Key topics include proposed increases to fees and charges, the provision of support services, and the revenue budget for 2026-27.

Performance and Operational Report

The committee will receive an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters for the period of September to December 2025. The report indicates an increase in the number of cremations undertaken compared to the same period last year, with 487 cremations carried out between September and December 2025, an increase of 82 from the previous year. The report also notes a decrease in the number and value of memorials sold. The committee will be informed about the application for the Green Flag award in 2026 and the ongoing participation in the ICCM Metal Recycling Scheme, which disburses funds to charities.

Financial Monitoring Report

A review of the crematorium's financial performance for the period of April to December 2025 is scheduled. The projected revenue outturn for 2025-26 is a surplus of £582,622, which is £162,490 more than the budgeted surplus. This increase is attributed to a higher number of cremations than projected. The report also details the projected level of reserves and balances at 31 March 2026, which are forecast to be £1,083,943. The report highlights that employee costs are forecast to underspend due to a vacant post, while premises costs show an underspend primarily due to works being completed under budget. However, there are forecast overspends in buildings maintenance and rates. Supplies and services costs are projected to overspend due to increased demand for customer services and an audio upgrade.

Provision of Support Services 2026-27

The committee will consider the proposed Service Level Agreement (SLA) for support services provided by Durham County Council to the Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee for the period of April 2026 to March 2027. This SLA covers management, financial, administration, creditor, payroll, and human resources services. The proposed charge for 2026-27 is £29,640, representing a 4.0% increase on the previous year's recharges, which accounts for inflation and includes time spent by the Neighbourhood Protection Manager.

Fees and Charges 2026/27

A proposal to increase cremation charges by £50, from £975 to £1,025, is to be discussed. This increase, which includes a £30 medical referee fee, represents a 5.03% rise and would place the Mountsett Crematorium fee slightly above the regional average of £1,010. The report notes that even with this increase, the fees will remain competitive with neighbouring facilities. The report also outlines proposed increases for Book of Remembrance and Memorial fees, as well as visual tribute and additional charges. Charges for direct cremations are proposed to remain unchanged to maintain competitiveness. The report indicates that a £50 increase for 1,300 cremations is budgeted to generate an additional £65,000 in income.

Revenue Budget 2026-27

The proposed revenue budget for Mountsett Crematorium for 2026-27 will be presented for consideration. The budget includes an increase in employee costs to account for the 2026-27 pay award and estimated overtime. The premises budget sees a significant increase due to scheduled works outlined in the Service Asset Management Plan, including the installation of nitrogen oxide monitoring equipment and replacement of a cremator. Utility budgets have been reduced based on recent expenditure trends. Income is projected to increase due to higher cremation charges, despite a prudent assumption on the number of cremations. The budget also details transfers to and from earmarked reserves, including a transfer to the General Reserve to meet the policy requirement of 30% of the income budget. The estimated total reserves at 31 March 2027 are projected to be £957,148.