Costs of Cremation Set To Rise (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Costs of Cremation Set To Rise

March 26, 2006 3:15 PM

Lib Dems have slammed plans that will see the cost of cremations for borough residents increase by over 10%.

Following new legislation which prohibits setting different charges for the same service based on your address, the board of Bedford Bereavement Care have decided to increase charges for residents by over 10% to £414.00. Under the existing system two rates existed, one for those resident in the borough and another for those outside. The new rate removes the lower level for borough residents forcing them to pay the higher rate originally aimed at those from outside the borough. Bedford Bereavement Care plans to make an extra £27,500 from the increase.

Lib Dem Board of Bereavement Care member Paul Smith proposed lowering the increase but was voted down.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Smith said:

"This 10% increase is unacceptable. This is just hiking up costs to people when they are at their most vulnerable. These rates were only set last December, now we are seeing borough residents lose out while Bedford Bereavement Care plans to make an extra £27,500 from the increase.

I believe the Labour and independent members were wrong to make this decision, a lower solution could have been found. I suggested lowering the increase but only one other member of the board supported me. Combining cremation rates for those from within the borough boundary with those beyond it should mean just that. Some middle ground should have been found between the rates instead of just charging everybody the higher amount."