Agenda and minutes

Councillors Dally and White ( Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council ), Councillor Jones

( Monmouthshire County Council ) and  Mr S Tom ( National Association of Funeral Directors )

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2015 were taken as read and confirmed

Mr K Donovan, Design and Contracts Manager , Newport Norse reported on work to be undertaken on the canopies and that re-rendering work to the Arches had been programmed for the next financial year at a date/time to be agreed with the Crematorium Manager

Apologies had been submitted by Mr Tom, National Association of Funeral Directors representative who had indicated that no points had been raised for consideration by this Committee

Consideration was given to the Managers report providing statistical information on the number of

         visitors on the Book of Remembrance online , memorial sales and cremation statistics. It was noted

         that cremation numbers had remained very high with the Crematorium operating at full capacity

         this month.

         The Committee were informed of the recent sale of high quality jewellery items and paperweights

         from “ Ashes into Glass “ A display cabinet had been installed and mail shots were being made as

         appropriate. This new initiative had proved popular alongside the other memorial options available

         at the Crematorium.

         Reference was made to the recent resignation of Miriam Deacon, Deputy Manager as a result of

         taking  up a position as Secretary to the Cremation Society of Great Britain and Ireland based in

         Maidstone , Kent. The Chairman proposed and was endorsed by the Joint Committee that a letter

         of appreciation be forwarded to Mrs Deacon for her service and endeavours to the Crematorium

         and this Committee over the last ten years.

         The Manager referred to the fact that , as a result of her resignation, this also applied to her

         position as Newport`s representative on the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities. The

         proposal that the Manager continue in that role as a representative of Newport and this Joint

         Committee was endorsed.

         In response to a query as to the replacement of the Deputy Manager post , it was noted that a

         business case would have to be made by the Interim Head of Streetscene  and if found essential

         with provision in the budget the post could be filled. However, it was noted that a restructuring of

         that Service area was presently underway. The Joint Committee , conscious of the demand on the

         service at the present time , asked that this issue be resolved as soon as possible

         Councillor Davies advised that the increasing length of time to hold a cremation service was being

         raised within Torfaen County Borough Council following receipt of complaints . Members enquired

         on a number of options to remedy the problem but it was noted there was little leeway in this

         respect.

          Attention was drawn to the appended Fees Price List with Cremation Fees being increased by

          10% but it was agreed that the fees for memorial items and jewellery be regularised at 5% for the

          forthcoming financial year.   

Resolved

         That the report be noted and aforementioned actions approved

To agree a schedule of meetings for 2015-16

Suggested dates are 17^th June, 23 September, 25 November 2015 , 20 January and 16 March 2016. All dates are on a Wednesday commencing at 2.00pm

Consideration was given to suggested meetings for the forthcoming year, these being 17^th June ,

          23^rd September , 25^th November 2015 , 20^th January and 16^th March 2016 . All meetings to

          commence at 2.00pm.

          Councillor Davies requested a change of day to accommodate his attendance at this Joint

          Committee for Council business reasons. In discussing the proposal it was recognised that the

          same applied to other Partner Authorities and it was agreed to endorse the above dates .

          Councillor Davies abstained in the resulting vote.

          The Chairman referred to the fact that Torfaen County Borough Council still had an outstanding

          vacancy on the Committee and that this be brought to their attention. Similarly , it was noted that

          Bleanau Gwent representatives were experiencing difficulties in attending and it was agreed that

          they be reminded that a substitute Member could attend if there was an issue in this respect.

          Resolved

          That the above schedule of meetings be agreed.