Decision details

RESOLVED THAT

1.    it be agreed that Option E be progressed- a new build facility on Council-owned land to the east of the current cemetery site - as the preferred option for the future provision of its crematorium service;

2.    authority be delegated to the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment and the Head of Property Services to prepare and submit the necessary planning application for the new building, cremator plant and associated works;

3.    it be noted that, subject to Council approving the project budget;

3.1   the Head of Property Services will undertake the procurement for the design and construction of the new crematorium, cremators and associated works, in consultation with the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, the Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, the Section 151 officer and the Borough Solicitor;

3.2   following the procurements referred to in recommendation 3.1 a report will be presented to the Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment requesting approval to award the contracts to the successful contractors;

4.    authority be delegated to the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services to take all necessary steps and undertake all necessary procedures, including the entering into of legal or other documentation, as may be required to implement or facilitate the project;

5.    the cross-party Cabinet Member Working Group which has been helpfully acting as a sounding board for the project be asked to continue its role in relation to the new build project, with updated terms of reference as appropriate;

6.    It be agreed in principle to an increase in the cremation fee by 2017/18 to sufficiently cover additional revenue costs.

Council be recommended to:

7.    allocate the budgets for financing Option E as detailed in Appendix 4 (exempt).