Agenda item

Report to follow.

The Superintendent Registrar went through the report and discussed the figures for the period.  With regard to the memorial sales, there was a downward slide in December with sales, this would usually pick up in February/March.  It was noted that Cremation figures during September-December were of the fewest recorded since 1989. 

Further to the Motion Proposal at Torfaen County Borough Council, which was discussed at September’s meeting, it was decided that the Superintendent Registrar would compile a report on the statistics of staffing availability and time slots and be presented to January’s  meeting. 

The Superintendent Registrar outlined the report giving a brief background of the history of the crematorium.  The Gwent Crematorium was the busiest chapel and crematorium in Wales.  Over the last 20 years, average cremations were 2743 with the highest figure being 2944.

Causes of delay in service time availability and cultural changes were highlighted as well as the current situation and ways of mitigating against delays.

Arising from the report, options were discussed.  Consideration of opening on a Saturday was discussed however it was highlighted that staffing costs on a Saturday would be £384.  Additionally, the utility costs of opening the building on a Saturday, would run into £100s.  Wellbeing of staff at the crematorium was also a consideration.

Councillor Williams agreed that the wellbeing of staff working on a Saturday would probably be affected.  The Superintendent Registrar wanted to state however that in emergencies there were no problems with staff working during out of hours.

As requested at the previous meeting, the Superintendent Register had advised that time slots have been published to the Crematorium website for members of the public to view.

Councillor Brookes referred to earlier bookings in the day and asked were there any improvements between this year and last.   Generally, there was no problem with service provision.  Members of the public were taking advantage of the earlier slots and there was more take up from last year.  The diary bookings had increased and there was 10 days out of 20 when there wasn’t a funeral at 9am.

Councillor Williams sought clarification on 11am bookings.  These were currently being booked from now until the early part of February.  This meant that availability tended to be earlier now.  There was an increase in popularity with back to front bookings where the cremation carried out earlier in the day with a service booked for later that same day.

Councillor Brookes thanked the Superintendent Registrar for his report and said that considering it was raised by Torfaen County Borough Council he was impressed at the speed of the resolution.

Finally, The Superintendent Registrar was looking into entering the Crematorium in to the green flag scheme which would give a benchmarking profile to work to as well as provide good publicity.  There was a cost however it was low cost therefore there would not be an issue.

Recommended:

§  That the report be noted and that no further action should be taken to change the opening hours and cremation times.

§  A copy of the report be forwarded to Torfaen as a completed action for their information.

§  That the Committee fully supported the application for a green flag status for the crematorium.