Funeral music and photo tribute charges set to proceed

Burial charges in Argyll and Bute are set to rise too, by 15 per cent – despite administration councillors rejecting a proposal for the same increase for cremations.

The authority set its budget on Wednesday, February 25, with a 15 per cent rise in cremation costs among the savings options rejected by the ruling group of SNP, Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and some independent councillors.

However, a council spokesperson has confirmed that it was agreed to increase fees relating to burials, while it intends to provide equipment for musical and picture tributes at the crematorium.

Once these are installed, families will be charged £57 for a slideshow of up to 25 photos without music, while adding music will mean an £88 charge.

The cost of a new adult lair in Argyll and Bute is currently £1,239, while the cost of an adult interment is £1,052.

A 15 per cent increase will mean these prices are £1,424 and £1,209 respectively. The council does not charge for interments or cremations for people under 18.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “Argyll and Bute Council maintains 131 cemeteries, across island and mainland communities, more than many other local authorities. It was agreed to increase fees relating to burials at the budget meeting.

“We have had many requests, from families, for new ways to celebrate the lives of loved ones at services at Cardross Crematorium.

“Our intention is to provide the equipment required to enable them to create musical and pictorial tributes and once this is finalised, and staff are fully trained, we will make this available.”

A report ahead of the council meeting to set the budget said: “The information outlines that there is scope for increasing fees and charges relating to burials.

“However, Argyll and Bute Council is already the highest charging council for cremations and therefore it is suggested that council may wish to only focus on increases above inflation for burials.”

It was estimated that a 15 per cent increase to burial costs would give the council an extra £4,000 of income per year, while the same increase for cremations would add £29,000.

However, the council’s ruling group rejected the cremation element of the savings option when it proposed its budget at the meeting.