Scapped charges praised by McEwan

A move to relieve financial pressures on families suffering the heartache of losing a child has been commended by a board convener, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

Charges for burials and cremations have been wiped for those under the age of 18, following cross- party support at Wednesday’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.

Renfrewshire Council had previously scrapped costs for children under 16 as part of the local authority’s budget for 2018-19.

A sum of £ 50,000 had been earmarked to fund that scheme but an extra £10,000 has been given to the council for its expansion to under18s.

Board convener Councillor Cathy McEwan welcomed the additional funding from the Scottish Government.

She said: “Losing a child is one of the biggest tragedies that a family can endure and the added pressure of dealing with funeral costs can make things even more difficult.

“It is important that we look to support parents and families at what can be a traumatic time.

“The administration made a commitment in our budget to remove funeral costs for those under 16 and this further funding from the Scottish Government will allow Renfrewshire to fully commit to removing charges for the burial or cremation of those aged under 18.”

Under the agreement, interment fee, lair purchase and headstone permit/ foundation should not be charged for, while neither should a cremation fee.

However, pregnancy loss is not included as there are existing arrangements made for families through the NHS.

The proposals to cover costs for under 18s is part of an attempt to create consistency across Scotland and bring Renfrewshire in line with other areas in the UK.