Council burial charges set to rise by 47.5%

Burial charges are set to extend by almost half in Shropshire within the subsequent monetary 12 months.

Shropshire Council’s cupboard has agreed to alter the price for its bereavement service from £1,836 to £2,709 – a 47.5% improve from 2024-25.

A press release from the council mentioned its supplier, Dignity, proposed the brand new charge after a “benchmarking course of” with close by councils.

It mentioned its charges had been among the many lowest for a few years, and would stay £200 lower than in some neighbouring authorities.

The transfer comes because the native authority mentioned it wanted to avoid wasting almost £23m from its yearly price range within the new monetary 12 months.

A charges and costs report was mentioned at Wednesday’s assembly – outlining the budgeted revenue to be obtained and proposing the extent of costs to be utilized by the council in 2025-26.

The beneficial rise will now go to the complete council for approval.

The assertion mentioned: “The council’s bereavement providers supplier, Dignity, proposed the burial charge improve following evaluation of its operation all through the UK and benchmarking with close by councils.

“Although there’s a important improve within the burial charge this 12 months, authorised by the council, it is necessary to place this into context.

“For a few years burial charges within the Shropshire Council space have been amongst the bottom within the UK and in some years have seen no uplift in any respect.

“Dignity is presently investing considerably at Emstrey Crematorium which serves Shropshire and the encompassing space, with the intention to enhance the power, present a brand new ready room and bathroom services, and keep the location.”