Agenda

Attached.

The Clerk to the Joint Committee will report on any matters requiring attention.

The current Finance Strategy was approved by Members in December 2023, setting out the principles on which the strategy has been compiled, together with risks and other aspects of the financial management framework that the Crematorium operates in.

The attached report from the Treasurer encloses an updated Finance Strategy which provides a clear overview of the Joint Committee's financial framework and provides added assurance to the Joint Committee and to the constituent authorities that sound and effective arrangements are in place to manage the Crematorium's finances.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Finance Strategy 2025/26, attached as Appendix A to the report, be approved;

2.    That the Finance Strategy 2025/26 be sent to the four constituent authorities to note for their information.

The purpose of the attached report from the Treasurer is to set out the revenue budget for 2024/25 and 2025/26, together with the repairs and renewals and capital fund contributions for 2024/25 and 2025/26 and a review of fees and charges from 1 April 2025.  The current capital works programme for future years has also been included.

RECOMMENDED

a)    That the capital works programme as detailed in Appendix D to the report be approved;

b)    That the Joint Committee approves the proposed cremation fees and other charges as set out in Appendices B & C from 1 April 2025;

c)    That the proposed revenue account estimates as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved subject to the Joint Committee's decisions in respect of recommendations a & b above;

d)    That the Joint Committee considers writing to the Leader of each constituent authority to advise them of the annual payment to be received from the Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee in 2024/25.

Report from the Property Manager attached.

RECOMMENDED that the Joint Committee notes the contents of the report.

The purpose of the attached report from the Property Manager is to inform members on progress with the project to replace the existing cremators at Portchester Crematorium.

RECOMMENDED that the Joint Committee notes the contents of the report.

The Risk Management Framework and Policy Statement for Portchester Crematorium are subject to annual review. The purpose of the attached report from the Treasurer is to set out updated documents for approval by the Joint Committee.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Risk Management Strategic Framework and Policy as set out in Appendices A & B of the report be approved;

2.    That the Risk Management Progress report set out in Appendix C be noted as a source of evidence that the current Risk Management Policy is operating in practice.

The purpose of the attached report from the Property Manager is to update members on progress made to reduce the Crematorium's carbon footprint during 2023/24.

RECOMMENDED the contents of the report be noted.

a)    General Statistical Reports attached for September - November 2024.

b)    Recycling of Metals Charitable Scheme - to consider nominations.

c)    Any other items of topical interest.

A report from the Horticultural Consultant on grounds maintenance generally is attached.

RECOMMENDED that the report be received and noted.

Before considering this item the Joint Committee will be asked to pass the following resolution -

RECOMMENDED that under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the Report because it contains 'exempt information' as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The purpose of the attached report by the Clerk and Treasurer to the Joint Committee is to update members on an approach received from the owners of the Portchester Memorial Gardens.

RECOMMENDED that the Joint Committee considers the report and the recommendation contained therein.