The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to review operational performance, financial monitoring, and risk management. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the crematorium's performance over the past quarter, its financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, and an update on the risk register.

Quarterly Performance and Operational Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters from the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar. The report indicated a total of 419 cremations between January and March 2026, an increase of 15 compared to the same period the previous year. Overall, the 2025/26 financial year saw 1,462 cremations, exceeding the budget of 1,350 by 112. Memorial sales for the January to March 2026 period showed a slight increase in income of £1,910 compared to the previous year, with 31 memorials sold in both periods. The report also noted that the crematorium would be celebrating its 60-year anniversary on 23 July 2026, with plans for an open day on 18 July 2026. Additionally, the report highlighted the successful nomination of Diabetes UK and St Oswald's Hospice to receive £8,500 each from the recycling of metals scheme.

Financial Monitoring Report

A joint report from the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment and the Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer was scheduled to present the provisional outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year and the projected level of reserves and balances as at 31 March 2026. The projected revenue outturn indicated a surplus of £579,378, which was £159,246 more than the budgeted surplus. This was attributed to an increase in cremations and higher income from cremation fees. The report detailed variances in expenditure, including underspends in employee costs and premises, and overspends in supplies and services. The projected total reserves and balances at the end of the financial year were forecast to be £1,080,699.

Risk Register Update

The committee was due to review the risk register for 2025/26, as part of a biannual risk review. The report indicated that both the service risk register and the health and safety risk register were maintained in accordance with Durham County Council's methodology. No significant changes were reported since the previous review, with all identified risks remaining within the council's risk appetite. A minor update noted the reduction in the number of Relief Cremation Attendants/Standby Cremator Operators from three to two, which had not significantly impacted service delivery.

Update on New External Auditor

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided by the Finance Manager, Neighbourhoods & Environment, regarding the appointment of a new external auditor. The current external auditor was ceasing to be appointed for Mountsett and Central Durham Crematoriums, and a procurement process was underway to appoint a replacement from May 2026. A report on the new provision was to be shared at the next meeting.