Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations were made pertaining to the agenda:

ITEM 3. LLWYDCOED CREMATION SERVICES FEES & CHARGES 2023-24.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Personal, 'I am a Member of the Cabinet'.

ITEM 4. REPORT OF THE BEREAVEMENT SERVICES MANAGER.

Councillor Adam Owain Rogers, Personal, 'I was present at a Future Valleys Liaison meeting'.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee which was held on 13^th December 2022.

RESOLVED to approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the meeting of the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee held on 13^th December 2022.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services.

The Bereavement Services Manager presented the report to set the fees and charges for 2023/24 including an annual uplift effective from 1^st April 2023.

The Bereavement Services Manager reported that the proposed charges for crematorium and all supplementary fees for 2023/24 had been formally approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet on the 23^rd of January 2023 which included a proposed uplift on 10%.

Members discussed the significance the increase in Fees & Charges has on the services provided by the Crematorium, the annual surpluses and the impact the increase has on the cost of living crisis.

Members commented on the reporting timeframes for the report and queried whether this could be reviewed for future reporting.

Following detailed discussions and consideration of the report, it was RESOLVED to approve the levels for cremation and all supplementary fees and charges for 2023/24 for Llwydcoed Crematorium, with a proposed uplift of 10% as outlined within the report.

To consider the report of the Bereavement Services Manager.

The Bereavement Services Manager informed Members on the progress of the Biodiversity Scheme at Llwydcoed Crematorium and updated Members on a Road Closure Scheme affecting Llwydcoed Crematorium. Members were also provided with the Statistics and Performance figures relating to the operation of the Crematorium since the last meeting.

Members commented that the proposed Biodiversity signage will assist in alleviating the public’s concerns and explaining the purpose of designating areas for biodiversity.

Following consideration of the information contained within the report of the Bereavement Services Manager it was RESOLVED;

1. To note the proposed signage of the Biodiversity Scheme;
2. To note the report of Road Closure Scheme affecting Llwydcoed Crematorium; and
3. To note the Statistics and Performance figures contained within the report relating to the operation of the Crematorium since the last meeting.

To consider the report of the Treasurer.

The Group Accountant, Community Services presented the report, which provided Members with an update on the 2022/23 Budget Monitoring position and the Draft Revenue Estimates for 2023/24.

The Group Accountant provided details of the approved budget, actual expenditure to 28^th February 2023 and projected outturn figures for 2022/23 outlining the main expenditure variances.

Members discussed the impact of higher utility costs and the importance of maintaining high level of working standards at the Crematorium.

Following consideration of the Draft Revenue Estimates for 2023/24, it was RESOLVED:-

1. To note the 2022/23 Budget Monitoring position; and
2. To approve the Draft Revenue Estimates for 2023/24.

To consider any items, which the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency

No Urgent Business