Issue - meetings

That Cabinet confirms the revised fee structure changes as per the 2022/23 budget and implement from 1July 2022 or earlier if possible and identify an alternative saving/funding source to cover the loss of 30k from the budgeted position.

That Cabinet undertakes a review of the bereavement services business model and to agree a formal business analysis and plan for the service going forwards.

The intention was to review the current business model for bereavement services and create a business unit which would include cremations, burials and the management of graveyard sites. It was noted that there had recently been a large hike in energy prices. An ‘all options’ analysis would be undertaken, and it was confirmed that burials at sea would also be included. There had been an amendment to the published appendix containing the fees and charges for cremations and burials, which had been circulated to the Cabinet members and this would be amended online.

The Leader declared an interest at this point as she had purchased a burial plot from the council.

Consideration would need to be given to a four-fold increase in energy prices, including those coming in October 2022 and anticipate the increase in the fees.

The Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance, Corporate Resources and Transformational Change presented the report for Cabinet on 12 May 2022, which sought to approve the revised fee structure changes, to identify an alternative funding source to cover the loss of £30k from the budgeted position, and to undertake a review of the Bereavement Services business model.

Questions were raised regarding the proposed increase in cremation charges, and the potential knock-on impact this may on the capacity of burial sites. It was requested that future modelling included comparative analysis against similar local authorities. The Committee noted the intention to review the current business model for bereavement services, and the impact of energy prices upon cremation costs was highlighted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the report to Cabinet on 12 May 2022 be noted.