Funeral webcast fee axed over virus crisis

BILL JACOBS

THE normal funeral webcast fee for ceremonies at Accrington Crematorium has been waived during the coronavirus crisis.

The £50 charge for a high-quality live transmission - £75 with a 28-day view again facility - has been dropped by Hyndburn Council while the Covid-19 pandemic limits attendances.

It is to help bereaved and grieving families under the current lockdown rules.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “We want to make it as easy as we can, working within Government guidelines on numbers attending ceremonies, for bereaved family and friends to be able to pay their final respects to their loved ones and be part of the service, even if they cannot attend in person.

“Waiving the fee and making the service freely available via the high-tech audiovisual system at the crematorium means that anyone who can’t attend in person can log on and watch the funeral take place.

“It’s a small thing in such a sad and difficult time, but anything we can do to help people mourn loved ones during this time of crisis is welcome.”

Government guidelines have been updated around the numbers of people able to attend a funeral during Covid-19.

Previous guidance in Lancashire had set a figure of 10 people for all venues to adhere to, however the Government guidance has now changed and the previous restrictions may not apply.

Funeral directors can facilitate funerals locally, depending on the size of their venue, ensuring they adhere to the social distancing of keeping 2m (6ft) away from individuals and numbers should still be kept to a minimum.

Further details on the guidance can be found at gov.uk website.