Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Transformation is attached.

It was RESOLVED that the allocation of an additional £2m in the 2021/22 capital programme for the delivery of a new crematorium, to be included in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy be supported.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation presented the report of the Executive Manager – Transformation providing an update on the Crematorium.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation reinforced the need for the development of a crematorium, to meet the needs of a continually growing population, and the importance of ensuring that the new facility was built to the highest specification possible.  Cabinet was advised that officers had identified that an additional £2m would be required, as three factors had been identified that had impacted on the pre-tender estimate: the VAT position of the project; enhanced landscaping costs to encourage bio-diversity across the site, tree planting and maintenance of green space; and the cost of an electric cremator, which although more expensive, would be better for the environment, have a longer working life span and would be more cost effective in the long term.  Cabinet noted that detailed benchmarking had been undertaken to ensure value for money and that had been confirmed.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Moore stated that it was important that ambitious projects were developed, and this project would form part of the £38m capital investment referred to in the budget report, and it was acknowledged that such schemes would help the Council as it emerged from the pandemic.

The Leader referred to previous discussions at Cabinet meetings regarding the importance of this project and that it was key to enhancing community facilities to bring the project forward.  The financial changes were acknowledged, and it was positive that officers were continuing to move this project forward.

Councillor Upton confirmed that it was essential that the new facility was as environmentally sustainable as possible, and the proposed budget would provide the best value going forward.

It was RESOLVED that the allocation of an additional £2m in the 2021/22 capital programme for the delivery of a new crematorium, to be included in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy be supported.