Issue - meetings

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)           the Chief Executive be authorised to appoint the successful multi-disciplinary design team to develop detailed designs for the crematorium and perform contract administration and management duties for the construction contract;

b)           the in-house operating model was agreed to provide the best return for the Council and that this should be developed working alongside the wider bereavement sector;

c)            the Chief Executive continue investigations into new technologies to enable the delivery of a greener crematorium for the Borough within the project budget; 

d)           the commitment to delivering the build of the crematorium within the capital programme and projected revenue impact be confirmed, with a further report to be submitted to Cabinet, should pre-tender build estimates be over budget; and

e)           the Corporate Overview Group be asked to allocate the appropriate scrutiny group to review and make comment on the detailed designs prior to build tenders being advertised for the construction.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Economic Growth presented the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the crematorium project.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Economic Growth confirmed that Cabinet had previously agreed the acquisition of the Stragglethorpe site, and the procurement process, in line with the planning permission.  In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and following a thorough review of all options, it was considered prudent that Cabinet reaffirm its commitment to the project and agree the operating model it wished to pursue.  In the next stage, it was proposed to appoint a project led management team to move forward to design and delivery, with a view to appointing a contractor by September 2020, for completion by spring 2022.  Extensive background work had been undertaken by officers, together with consideration of new technology and the Council’s carbon neutral target to ensure that the facility would align with the corporate priority of The Environment.  The most favourable option for the Council would be to follow an in-house operating model, and feedback from residents had concurred with that view.  The in-house option would also offer the best financial stability to the Council and despite the current budget pressures due to Covid-19, it was important that the Council continued to offer services to its residents. 

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Upton referred to the local need for such a facility and welcomed the progression of the project and the establishment of a management team.  It was important that the design was sustainable, environmentally friendly and with a low carbon footprint and the in-house operating model would provide good value for money.

Councillor Robinson referred to the inadequacy of the current facility and how that had been a major factor in the project being established, and it was excellent to see the progress that had been made.  It was pleasing to note that further investigation into environmental matters was included in the recommendations and this would give the Council the opportunity to lead the market and set a good example.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)           the Chief Executive be authorised to appoint the successful multi-disciplinary design team to develop detailed designs for the crematorium and perform contract administration and management duties for the construction contract;

b)           the in-house operating model was agreed to provide the best return for the Council and that this should be developed working alongside the wider bereavement sector;

c)            the Chief Executive continue investigations into new technologies to enable the delivery of a greener crematorium for the Borough within the project budget; 

d)           the commitment to delivering the build of the crematorium within the capital programme and projected revenue impact be confirmed, with a further report to be submitted to Cabinet, should pre-tender build estimates be over budget; and

e)           the Corporate Overview Group be asked to allocate the appropriate scrutiny group to review and make comment on the detailed designs prior to build tenders being advertised for the construction.