Councillors have agreed to defer all of the proposed inflationary fee increases for burials and cremations scheduled for 1st April 2022, as well as announcing a £158 reduction in the cost of a direct cremation.
Earlier this week Island Echo reported that the Isle of Wight Council looked to increase costs of dying from anywhere between 5 and 10%.
It was proposed that the cost of burying an adult, during the week, would increase by £66 (from £1,215 to £1,281). Meanwhile, it was suggested that a cremation, including the use of the organ and a biodegradable urn, would cost £55 more, rising from £1,010 to £1,065.
Since 2016/17, fees for the cremation of an adult have gone up more than 50% on the Island, from £644 to £974. The cost of burial has risen 43% in the same time period.
Announcing a review of the business model for the whole bereavement services department, Councillor Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for strategic finance, corporate resources and transformational change, has said:
“Through our bereavement services department, the council supports people through some of the most difficult times of life.
“We are proud of our service and the dedicated staff who deliver it, and we intend to continue to support and improve the department and ensure that it is offering the best and most appropriate services to Island people. For that reason we consider very carefully how we pay for and support this essential and highly sensitive service.
“We are conscious of the effect of fees, particularly on those in poverty.
Article continues below this advertisement “This year there will be a review of the way in which the department runs as a part of our wider commercialisation review. This gives us the opportunity to pause the introduction of almost all these new charges, with the exception of the new streaming video fee which will go ahead as planned.
“In addition, the cost of a direct cremation, which is the cheapest possible option for a bereaved family to have a loved one cremated, is reduced from the proposed cost of £608 to £450 – which was the price in 2020/21. This reduction will have immediate effect.
“We recognise the need to ensure a respectful and dignified option which will remain affordable to Island residents in financial distress, and this decision reflects our intention to maintain this at an affordable level.”
Sounds like a compassionate response from our Council. But wail till they get the next gas bill …
In addition, the cost of a direct cremation, which is the cheapest possible option for a bereaved family to have a loved one cremated, is reduced from the proposed cost of £608 to £450 – which was the price in 2020/21. This reduction will have immediate effect.
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they were planning this £158 or c.35% increase to take effect soon – talk about ripping off the grieving.
The council has no morals
Surely it can’t be true, councillors actually standing up for the taxpayer. Whatever next?
Got to give the people one every now and then to keep them sweet.
Wow a u turn !!!!!
Can’t believe they are actually saying they won’t be putting up the prices !!!!!
They were the one’s who wanted to rip us off in the 1st place…
As previously mentioned from the cradle to the grave !!!!!
Well I for 1 will still be doing a cheapie !!!!!…..