Burial fee increase to hit bereaved families
Bereaved families are facing higher costs to bury their loved ones – with fees for burials, cremations and memorials set to rise.
In a report to be considered by Wolverhampton council's cabinet resources panel on Tuesday, a raft of fees and charges have been reviewed, including increases in the bereavement section, ceremonies in the Lady Wulfruna Suite, and fees for occasional markets and craft fairs.
The report says the fees and charges have been 'subject to on-going, detailed review' in recent months, and the income will contribute to reducing the council's medium-term budget deficit, which is projected to be £46.3m by 2018/19.
It also states: "It is important to be aware that additional income from increases in fees and charges is uncertain, as the resulting impact upon demand that will arise from changes in fees and charges cannot be predicted with certainty.
"The changes to fees and charges outlined in the report are primarily as a result of cost increases and inflationary pressures, to ensure the council recovers its costs where possible and provides best value to residents and customers."
Under the proposals, which the panel has been recommended to approve, exclusive burial rights for 75 years will go from £1,790 to £1,835, with the interment fee for first and subsequent burials rising from £993 to £1,018.
Burial of people older than 17 years in a public grave is also facing a £25 increase, going from £993 to £1,018, with cremation charges also increasing, going from £684 to £701. Interment fee for burial in vaults will rise £25, exclusive right of burial at Beacon Hill chambers increases £53, and the interment fee at Beacon Hill chambers is up £14.
Also included in the proposed fee rises are entries in the book of remembrance, urns, plaques, inscriptions and other memorial touches.
Other costs expected to increase include using the Lady Wulfruna Suite for the renewal of vows, baby naming and conversion ceremonies after 1pm on Saturday or on Sunday and Bank Holidays, and the hourly pool hire rates at Central Baths and Bert Williams Leisure Centre.
Occasional markets and craft fairs will cost an additional £6-£8 under the changes.
