Merton Cemetery's underspending on special projects, totaling £353,509, was a key topic at the Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery Board meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, according to the meeting agenda. The board reviewed the Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery (MSJC)'s abstract of accounts for 2024-25, revealing significant deviations from the planned budget.
The abstract of accounts indicated a surplus of £254,111 for the year. While employee costs slightly overspent by £3 and running expenses exceeded the budget by £20,037 (mainly due to repairs, maintenance, and grounds maintenance contracts), the special projects category saw substantial underspending. Income also fell short of projections by £263,254.
The underspending on special projects was primarily attributed to delays or non-completion of bearer beam installations, front railings, and toilet block construction. The board also discussed the MSJC's Risk Management Strategy, which outlines the approach to managing risks by identifying, assessing, and controlling them to minimise potential negative impacts.
The board also reviewed and agreed on the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2024/25, ensuring that MSJC business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards. The MSJC Annual Governance Statement 2024-25.pdf states that it provides assurance to all stakeholders that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for, and used economically, efficiently and effectively.
The Public reports pack Tuesday 24-Jun-2025 14.00 Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery Board.pdf also included a review of the MSJC's risk register, addressing potential issues such as pandemic-related income reduction, poor service delivery, and contractor failures.