Decision details

SERVICE AREA:

Neighbourhoods and Operations

SUBJECT MATTER:

REPLACEMENT OF CREMATORS AND MERCURY ABATEMENT, FILTRATION PLANT AND HEAT RECOVERY FACILITIES

DECISION:

That approval be given to

1.    The replacement of the cremators, mercury abatement and all auxiliary equipment at Dukinfield Crematorium.

2.    A lifecycle fund is created from income collected for service delivery to enable the cremators to be replaced at the end of their life without it being an unplanned call on the capital programme.

DECISION TAKER(S):

Executive Cabinet

DESIGNATION OF DECISION TAKER(S):

Executive Cabinet

DATE OF DECISION:

24 October 2018

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure the Councils meet’s its legal obligations with regard to providing a cremation service and the impacts on air quality, protecting the environment and public health.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS REJECTED (if any):

To revert to using two cremators would not be sufficient to manage the number of cremations undertaken at Dukinfield crematorium.  There is insufficient space at the crematorium to install four or more cremators.   

The Council must ensure the necessary compliance whilst complying with its statutory duty to ensure any expenditure is efficient and effective and achieves a balanced budget.

CONSULTEES:

Officers from Tameside Bereavement Services have been met with NIFES consulting Group regarding the provision of consultancy support in connection with the planned installation of the new cremators, mercury abatement and heat recovery equipment at Dukinfield Crematorium.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Section 151 Officer)

In October 2017, £1.5m was earmarked in the capital programme to fund this capital project. A further £1m was reported as a pressure and earmarked in July 2018 in the Executive Board paper for the review of the capital programme. This was also listed as a business critical scheme due to the nature of work required. The £2.500m estimated cost of this scheme is based on quotations from other organisations. If the successful tender price is significantly different from the £2.500m estimate, a revised business case will be submitted with a full breakdown of the cost.  In future years, it is proposed that the existing environmental levy placed on each cremation will be used to establish a financial reserve for on-going repair and maintenance of the cremators.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Borough Solicitor)

Not to comply with legislation affecting crematoriums puts any operator in breach of their statutory obligations.  The Council must ensure the necessary compliance whilst complying with its statutory duty to ensure any expenditure is efficient and effective and achieves a balanced budget.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

DISPENSATION GRANTED BY STANDARDS COMMITTEE ATTACHED:

Not applicable.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

The background papers relating to this report can be inspected by contacting Mike Gurney, Head of Management and Operations

Telephone:0161 342 5181

e-mail: Michael.gurney@tameside.gov.uk