FOI Questions and answers re Cemetery and Crematorium.

1.) How much profit did the council make from bereavement services (cemeteries and crematoriums) in 2009 and in 2008?

In 2008/09 made net surplus of £339k

In 2009/10 forecast surplus of approx £500k

2.) What was the profit spent on?

It is not possible to identify what the surplus is spent on. The surplus goes to the council's central funds.

3.) Is any of the council tax we pay used to maintain crematorium gardens?

No, the service is self funding and requires no subsidy from central funds.

4.) Do the council provide any assistance for those who cannot afford funeral costs?

Yes we provide cremations at 50% reduction between 09:00 and 10:00 hours week days. This is for a 30 minute service

It is not possible to provide a similar discount for burials as the bulk of the cost is the purchase of the burial plot on a long lease.

The Council under take Public Health funerals as required, when there is no estate or relative able to pay for the funeral.

5.) Could you provide me with a financial breakdown of outgoings for the borough's crematoriums in previous years? e.g. gardener's fees.

The gardeners are employees of the cemetery and crematorium and their salaries are covered by the fee income for the service

6.) A 5 year lease on a memorial rose bush costs £250. Can you provide a breakdown on how this money is spent?

No, this is a fee for a service, and forms part of the cemetery and crematorium income. Individual fee income is not ring fenced for specific expenditure.

7.) How many crematoriums in Barnet are privately owned and how many are owned by the council?

One is owned by London Borough of Barnet, three are privately owned, and on is jointly owned and run by the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington.

8.) How much have funeral costs risen in Barnet in the last ten years?

The cost of a funeral is governed by the Funeral Director and has many variables. The cost of a cremation in Barnet in 2000 was £205 in 2010 it is £516.