Cost of living and dying in Wolverhampton to rise

Burial fees, the cost of getting married, renting market stalls, keeping fit and killing off rats and mice is all set to become more expensive in the New Year.

A whole range of hiked costs and fees were being discussed by council chiefs at a meeting tonight.

The rises have been brought in as the authority continues its battle to meet savings of £123 million by 2018.

Traders at Wolverhampton Indoor Market are set to be hit with an average rent rise of five per cent, 3.7 per cent above the rate of inflation.

Numerous other market-related fees will also be increased, including parking costs, exhibition spaces and stall rental on the open market.

Stall holders at other markets around the city are also facing a barrage of increased fees, with traders at Bilston Indoor Market hardest hit with a five per cent rise.

The majority of car parking fees have been frozen in a bid by council bosses to attract more visitors and boost business.

But costs in some bereavement services are set to rise sharply. Cremation charges will go up from £667 to £684, while exclusive right of burial for 75 years will go from £667 to £684.

The cost of a public grave will increase by £25, while the price of a brick grave will go up £44. The price of some memorials will also go up, with a granite cross rising by £60.50.

Pest control fees are to increase across the board. Treating bedbugs will go from £63 to £90, while getting rid of cockroaches and rats or mice will cost £17 and £12 more respectively.

Some leisure facilities will also see increased fees. Football pitch hire will see a small rise, with changing rooms and showers rental increasing by £17 for under 16s.

Cricket pitch hire will go from £61.50 to £75, while there will be small increases for using bowling greens. Leisure centres across the city will also see small rises for some swimming and fitness sessions.

Adult education courses will cost up to three per cent more than this year.

Parking fees will remain largely unchanged, with small increases earmarked for the Civic Centre and St Peter's car parks only.

The cost of getting married will rise by £30 or £50, depending on which day couples decide to tie the knot. A £50 booking fee has been introduced for all marriages and civil partnerships.

The price of citizenship ceremonies is set to rise from £160 to £175.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for resources, said: "Every year we are obliged to review the many fees and charges levied by the council for a huge variety of services.

"Different issues can affect whether there are increases such as inflation, Government requirements, the recovery of the costs of providing the service.

"Careful consideration is given to relevant factors when reviewing charges and where possible we will balance cost pressures with the need to do what is in the best interests of the city and our economy.

"For example, we are proposing to freeze the vast majority of car parking charges for the year ahead with the aim of attracting more visitors and boosting business."

The changes are due to come into effect from January 1.