The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 29 April 2026 was set to review the crematorium's operational performance, financial standing, and risk management. Discussions were also planned regarding crematorium seating and the approval of the Service Level Agreement for support services.

Quarterly Performance and Operational Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters. This included a review of the number of cremations undertaken between January and March 2026, with comparative data from the previous year. The report was also set to detail the number and value of memorial plaques sold, and provide an update on staffing, noting that two casual relief crematorium attendants had been appointed to cover for staff absences. The ongoing success of retaining the Green Flag award was to be highlighted, with plans for the 2026 application. Furthermore, the report was to cover the recycling of metals scheme, detailing the charities nominated and payments made, as well as the ongoing arrangement with St. Cuthbert's Hospice for a Christmas tree. A discussion was also anticipated regarding the policy on artificial flowers, with members asked to review whether to allow plastic or silk flowers in certain areas, or to uphold the current terms and conditions.

Financial Monitoring Report

A review of the crematorium's financial performance was scheduled, focusing on the provisional outturn position as at 31 March 2026. The report was to detail income and expenditure for the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting any variances against the approved budgets. It was also to provide information on the Joint Committee's funds and reserves, including the projected final position at the end of March 2026. The report indicated a projected revenue surplus of £1,221,250 against a budgeted surplus of £1,244,054, representing a shortfall of £22,804. The report also detailed the projected total reserves and balances at the year-end, forecast to be £2,811,325.

Risk Register Update

The committee was to be informed of the outcome of the biannual risk review for the reporting year 2025/26. This included a review of the service risk register and the health and safety risk register, maintained in accordance with Durham County Council's methodology. The report indicated that there were no significant changes to report since the previous review, with one minor update concerning the reduction in the number of Relief Cremation Attendants/Standby Cremator Operators from three to two. It was noted that this reduction had not had a significant impact on service delivery. The report stated that the net evaluation of each risk remained within the council's risk appetite.

Crematorium Seating

Councillor Amanda Hopgood was scheduled to raise the topic of crematorium seating for discussion.

Service Level Agreement for Support Services

The committee was to consider the proposed Service Level Agreement (SLA) for support services to be provided by Durham County Council to the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee for the period April 2026 to March 2027. The proposed charge for these services, which include Management Services, Financial Services, Administration Services, Creditor Services, Payroll Services, and Human Resources Services, was £43,576. An additional £7,800 was proposed for the Internal Audit and Risk Management SLA, which had been agreed for a three-year period in September 2025. This represented a 4% increase on the recharges from the previous year.