Agenda item

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure noted a drop in attendance once other crematoriums begun to open, with the 2021-22 figures referred back to.

With the time of the cremations increasing to 1 hour time slot this led to an increase in attendance.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure highlighted that the recent inspection by the Burial and Cremation Authority had been very positive, with full compliance achieved as well as complimentary comments being made towards the staff and the crematorium.

The Chair asked about the report in which it stated the crematorium doesn’t offer a longer service.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure informed the committee that this would be in reference to the crematorium not offering 2-hour slots.

 The Service Manager Environment & Leisure informed the committee of the several staffing matters, that include the replacement of an Administrative Support role and a Cremator Operator.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure also informed the committee of the resignation of Karen Sansom the Team Manager of the Bereavement Team as of June 30^th, 2023, with the position being advertised as soon as possible.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure would like to know if the committee is happy to send a letter of thanks to the long servicing member.

-          The Committee agreed to this.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure went on to state another staffing issue as Paul Dundon is currently unwell and it is not clear when he would be able to be fully active in his role. Therefore, it was suggested to externally source a temporary cremation manager.

 The Service Manager Environment & Leisure would like the committee to approve the recruitment posts as well as the external sourcing of a temporary manager.

-          Councillor Taylor noted he was happy to agree to this.

-          The Chair also agreed to this request.

Councillor Evans asked about the urgency in hiring the roles as it relates to which ones will be sought to be filled first.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure informed the members that both the interim manager and deputy will be sought after at the same time although the interim manager position may be fulfilled sooner.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure did confirm she would be meeting with Paul to figure out his plans, with this being reported back to the committee.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure reported that the 12-week contract for the work on the waiting room and toilets had been conducted in the early hours to avoid as much disruption as possible.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure also confirmed the first time slot begins at 11:30am

The Chair wanted to give thanks to the workers.

-          K. Donavon noted he will pass this onto the workers.

Councillor Evans would like the staff to be informed of the positive report.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure informed the committee of the works in 2020 which involved relining 2 of the cremators as well as replacing the boilers.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure detailed to the committee that during the servicing visit some critical issues were noted with the other 2 cremators with both requiring the filtration bags and dans costing £15,000 and £40,000 respectively.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure noted that immediate action will be needed to keep those 2 cremators in action.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure further went on to detail that of these cremators both would need relining within the next 2 years as well as the boiler for these cremators, totalling a cost of £250,000.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure also noted technical issues with the consoles that control the cremators. Further going on to explain that the FT3 is the newer model of cremators.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure detailed the extent to which the newer model is superior such as its larger size, and the creation of less emissions, which would lead to reduced pollution and allow the crematorium to take in larger coffins.

The Service Manager Environment & Leisure would like the committee to agree to allowing an information search on the costs and benefits of both the works required compared to switching from the two FT2 to one FT3.

Councillor Evans questioned whether by reducing from 4 cremators to 3 would that reduce services?

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure noted that two cremators are in constant use with the 3^rd serving as a backup and the fourth rarely being used.

Councillor Tudor affirmed that due to cremation being in a competitive market, it would be worth looking if Gwent wants to keep up with the times.

P. Toms highlighted that with the population getting larger in physical size, the funeral home has taken measures by increasing the casket size they cater for, noting that any casket above 31 inches in diameter will go to the private crematorium in Langstone.

The Chair asked if the boilers were gas powered.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure noted that the boilers are connected to the system and are powered by gas.

The Chair wanted to know if there were any eco-friendly options for the boilers.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure informed the chair they could find this out, as well as highlighting that the newer model is less harmful to the environment.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure also noted the new cremator has an integral boiler and not external.

The Chair would like a cremator with reduced emissions looked at, as well as the use of solar panels.

Councillor Evans noted that it is the right time to be looking at a more modern and cost-effective machine.

-          The Service Manager Environment & Leisure noted that a more efficient machine would reduce emissions.

The Chair asked about whether Blaenau Gwent is chairing the meetings.

The Head of Law and Standards noted they will chase this up.

The Chair also asked when the next change over for chairs is?

The Head of Law and Standards informed the chair they will look to resolve this.

Councillor Taylor noted that the changeover used to occur in the September meeting.