THE cost of living crisis could impact on the cost of dying, with a threat to increase cremation and burial charges in Argyll and Bute.
Costs could rise by 15 per cent and families may face a further fee of £57 for a slideshow at Cardross Crematorium, the only one in the county. Including a musical tribute could take that up to £88.
Funeral services here are already higher than neighbouring council areas. Argyll and Bute Council currently charges £1,034 for an adult cremation. It is £1,003 in Highland, £993 in West Dunbartonshire and £925 in Inverclyde.
For burials, the cost of a new adult lair is £1,239 in Argyll and Bute, compared with £935 in Highland, £1,361 in West Dunbartonshire, £1,273 in Inverclyde and £1,580 in Stirling, where there is no crematorium provision.
The report by council officials said: “The information outlines 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% for both burials and cremations and the impact that may have.”
It is more expensive to be buried if you don’t live in the local authority you choose for your final resting place. Residents get better rates.
Possible additional charges for use of the crematorium have also been published, which include a £57 charge for a slideshow of up to 25 photos without music. Adding music brings the price up to £88.
A themed tribute is proposed to cost £120, while a bespoke tribute is earmarked at £507. There are also proposed charges for extra photos and live streaming, while a £96 organist fee is also listed.
Funeral fees will be discussed at the council’s budget meeting.
Earlier, an Argyll and Bute Council spokesman told this newspaper: “We appreciate that funeral costs can be expensive at a difficult time for families and loved ones and so keep our charges as low as we can.
“Charges in Argyll and Bute are comparable to local authorities throughout Scotland and cover staff time for administration, opening and preparing the grave for the burial and making it safe for the ceremony.”
The council said cemetery sites have to be reinstated and re-turfed after burials.
Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesman added: “There is also ongoing maintenance for the machinery and the cemeteries factored into the cost.”
Argyll and Bute currently has 63 cemeteries that are operational and the council maintains a total of 131 across the region.
Fees may vary depending on days, dates, locations and individual circumstances. Local authorities advise on their current cost structure. Figures we have shown are correct at the time of publication.
The Scottish Government’s website provides information on funeral support payment for people on low income.
