Crematorium: Proposed charges for 2014

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A decision made on 11 November 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2013-0041
Decision Summary Title :	Crematorium – proposed charges for 2014		Date of Decision Summary:	4 November 2013
Decision Summary Author:	Director of Older Peoples Service		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Crematorium – Proposed Charges for 2014		Date of Written Report:	4 November 2013
Written Report Author:	Director of Older Peoples Service		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Proposed Crematorium and Associated Charges for 2014.
Decision(s): The Minister requested the Treasurer of the States to approve a proposed 10% increase in cremation charges, and a 2.5% increase in Book of Remembrance charges and Memorial Cards charges. The proposed increase to take effect from 1 January 2014.
Reason(s) for decision: Fuel costs have increased by over 11% in the past two years, but Crematorium charges have been increased only by 2.5% each year in line with the RPI. The proposed increase in charges beyond RPI is due to the significant increase in fuel costs - going up by 4.6% in 2012 and 6.5% during 2013. The running costs for the Book of Remembrance and Memorial Cards have increased by 2.8% in the past year. However, the department is only seeking an increase to charges of 2,5% to keep in line with the RPI of the 3rd quarter 2012.
Resource Implications: Charges for cremation will rise by 10%, whilst charges for Book of Remembrance and Memorial Cards will increase by 2.5% from 1 January 2014. There are minimal administrative tasks to carry out but no resource implications.
Action required: To request the Treasurer of the States to approve the amended fees as set out in the attached schedule On receipt of that approval, to instruct the Law Draftsman to prepare the necessary Order.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):