Cut-price council funerals

interest. They would transport the deceased to a place of rest, carry out preparations and then transport them to the cemetery graveside.

Council officers would be responsible for carrying out the commital at the graveside.

The report by land services officer David Crighton and signed off by senior manager for infrastructure Brian Roberts says:“This proposal has the potential to increase income for the council where families may opt for burial rather than cremation. The cost of interment remains the same, currently set at £1075. The cost for this proposed affordable funeral will be £1800 and includes all funeral arrangement costs.

“The family will, if required, arrange for their own transport to the cemetery, organise flowers, speaker and hospitality if they so wish. This is a new service that is being proposed for those families that may encounter facing financial challenges in securing an appropriate funeral for deceased relatives and as such there is an unknown number of families that may wish to take up this service. There will be a continual performance review to enhance the service where necessary.”Officials say not approving the proposal could leave some families facing tough financial choices, including directing them towards cremation rather than a burial.