Eltham Crematorium has reported an underspend of £13,393 for the financial year, a figure detailed in financial reports presented to the Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee.
The committee met on Monday, 12 October 2026, to review the projected financial position for Period 5 of the 2026/27 financial year. The underspend is attributed to a combination of factors, including part-year vacancies, savings on gas consumption, and an increase in webcasting fees, which were partially offset by other income.
Budget variances were influenced by Part-year vacancy Scale 5 post, employee reduced pay & superannuation reduction,
according to the meeting minutes. The report also highlighted an Underspend on gas,
contributing to the overall projected underspend. A table within the report indicates a projected gas usage reduction for FTIV cremators gas only use (advised 20% efficiency saving),
which is estimated to result in a saving of 91,578 kg of CO2 emissions compared to current provision.
The Finance Managers Treasurer Report, available in the public reports pack for the meeting Public reports pack 12th-Oct-2026 18.30 Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee, detailed the projected financial position. It also outlined the balances for the Repairs & Renewals and Donations reserves, alongside projected distribution payments to the constituent authorities.
For the financial year 2026/27, projected distribution payments to the constituent authorities are £191,000 for the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG), £191,000 for Bexley, and £96,000 for Dartford. The total budgeted distribution for the year stands at £478,000.
The Repairs & Renewals Reserve is projected to close the financial year at £570,000. This balance serves as a contingency for potential cremator relines, with one such reline estimated to cost £90,000. The reserve is comprised of balances carried forward, plus retained sums, minus deductions for agreed works.
Meanwhile, the Donations Reserve is expected to reach £17,000 for 2026/27. This reserve is made up of balances carried forward and donations received, less approved expenditure. While no specific projects are currently earmarked, the report notes that funds can be used for improvements to enhance facilities for mourners.