Issue - meetings

That Cabinet approve:

a)       Option C the high level refurbishment of Mansfield Crematorium as detailed in Exempt Appendix A to the report, and commencement of the refurbishment project;

b)       the allocation of the Usable Reserves to partially cover the VAT liability on the development, limiting the financial impact on each authority area for the refurbishment programme, as set out in Annex A within Exempt Appendix A to the report;

c)        the remaining total contribution by the Council, to pay the remaining VAT liability and year one deficit, as set out in paragraphs 2.45, 2.46 and Annex A within Exempt Appendix A to the report; and

d)       an increase to the Capital Programme by £211,900, funded by the Change Management Reserve, to fund the Council’s contribution towards the high-level refurbishment works as suggested in Option C.

The Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Services presented a report which sought approval of the resolution by the Mansfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee (of which the Council is a constituent member) to redevelop Mansfield Crematorium and to approve the financial arrangements for the Council’s contribution to the cost of redevelopment.

The Crematorium required either significant refurbishment or replacement, as was detailed in the exempt appendix to the report. The Joint Committee had carefully considered the available options and on 24 February 2025 unanimously resolved to endorse refurbishment, subject to approval by each constituent authority. It was reported that both Mansfield and Ashfield District Council’s had resolved to endorse refurbishment and approve the applicable capital expenditure arrangements.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet approve:

a)       Option C the high level refurbishment of Mansfield Crematorium as detailed in Exempt Appendix A to the report, and commencement of the refurbishment project;

b)       the allocation of the Usable Reserves to partially cover the VAT liability on the development, limiting the financial impact on each authority area for the refurbishment programme, as set out in Annex A within Exempt Appendix A to the report;

c)        the remaining total contribution by the Council, to pay the remaining VAT liability and year one deficit, as set out in paragraphs 2.45, 2.46 and Annex A within Exempt Appendix A to the report; and

d)       an increase to the Capital Programme by £211,900, funded by the Change Management Reserve, to fund the Council’s contribution towards the high-level refurbishment works as suggested in Option C.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure ongoing performance, viability and reputation of the Mansfield Crematorium.

Options Considered:

The Mansfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee has considered alternatives including new build, sale, closure and a lower-level refurbishment. These are all explored in detail in the exempt appendix to the report.