THE cost of a cremation or burial in Argyll and Bute could rise by 15 per cent under a savings option published by the council.
The authority already charges more than neighbouring areas for use of Cardross Crematorium, the only such facility across the council area.
Officials have therefore suggested that a 15 per cent increase could be considered for burials alone, or for cremations as well.
It is estimated that a 15 per cent increase would raise £33,000 of additional income for the council per year.
A six per cent increase has already been built into its budget outlook for 2026/27.
A report featuring all savings proposals will go before the full council at its meeting on Wednesday, November 26, but no decision will be made on whether to implement any until the council sets its budget in February.
A table contained within the document says that Argyll and Bute Council currently charges £1,239 for a new adult lair. This compares with £1,361 for West Dunbartonshire Council, £935 for Highland Council and £1,580 for Stirling Council.
For adult interment, the cost is £1,052 in Argyll and Bute, £1,044 in West Dunbartonshire, £1,003 in Highland and £1,408 in Stirling.
Meanwhile, the cost of a cremation in Argyll and Bute is £1,034. Highland Council’s cost is £1,003, while West Dunbartonshire Council’s is £993.
For a direct cremation, without use of the chapel, the cost is £721 in Argyll and Bute, £820 in Highland, and £553 in West Dunbartonshire.
Stirling Council is listed as having no cost for a cremation, and has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it does not operate a crematorium.
Argyll and Bute Council charges £1,142 for a cremation on a Saturday with use of the chapel, and £794 for a direct cremation on a Saturday. It does not charge for burials or cremations of people aged under 18.
The report said: “Roads and infrastructure services collects income on behalf of the council – cemeteries £41,000 and crematorium £322,000.
“The proposal would be to increase these fees and charges by 15 per cent, generating additional £33,000 of income (six per cent already built into budget outlook).
“The information outlines that there is scope for increasing fees and charges relating to burials, however, Argyll and Bute Council is already the highest charging council for cremations and therefore it is suggested that council may wish to only focus on increases above inflation for burials.
“Council would need to give consideration as to whether the fees should be increased by 15 per cent for both burials and cremations and the impact that may have.”
