(a)          Decision(s)

(1)  That it be agreed that the budget for the Aylesbury Crematorium should be increased from £6.2m to £7.25m.

(2)  That it be agreed also that construction work should commence as soon as possible and that the decision to enter into a construction contract be delegated to the Clerk of the Joint Committee, after consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Joint Committee.

(3)  That the SCAPE framework be used to procure further consultant support as required.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To ensure that the Aylesbury Crematorium project can be progressed to the construction phase in accord with the Joint Committee’s aims and objectives.  (Details of the Joint Committee’s consideration of the issues around the contract were submitted as part of the confidential Cabinet agenda).

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

Not to agree the additional funding, but this would be contrary to the Council’s support for the construction of a crematorium to serve Aylesbury and the surrounding areas.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

Councillors Mrs Macpherson and Mordue, as the Council’s representatives on the Crematorium Joint Committee, both declared a prejudicial interest in this item and left the meeting whilst it was discussed.