CER06 – Financial Savings 2023-24 – Cremations
| Title | CER06 – Financial Savings 2023-24 – Cremations |
|---|---|
| Council Resource | Community and Enterprise |
| Aims and Objectives | The aim of the assessment is to consider the impact of the proposal to increase cremation charges at South Lanarkshire Crematorium from £680.05 to £808.33 (an increase of £128.28 per cremation). The Council currently provides an average of 1,500 cremations per annum. As a result of increasing cremation charges by £128.28, additional income of £0.200m can be generated. This charge is higher than our closest neighbour in Glasgow City (£699.00), and therefore the projected income takes account of some customers choosing the Glasgow facilities of Daldowie and Linn instead of South Lanarkshire. A 10% reduction in cremations have been assumed in these figures. The revised cost will bring the charges in line with the Scottish average for 2022-23 (£808.33). |
| Conclusion | As part of the 2023-24 savings exercise it is proposed to increase cremation charges to bring them in line with the Scottish average, from £680.05 to £808.33 (an increase of £128.28 per cremation), however cremation charges for under 18's will continue free of charge. South Lanarkshire Council is currently the lowest out of 12 cremation authorities, based on the cost of cremation. Assistance may be available from the Department for Work and Pensions for anyone on a low income to help to pay for a funeral. The increase in charges for cremations at South Lanarkshire Crematorium is comparable to other service providers and is justified. The impact of the policy will be monitored using service uptake figures compared to previous years as well as complaints and will be reported through future budget monitoring. |
| Completion date | 22/2/23 |
| Contact Email address | equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk |