Local Authorities find one last way to tax their residents

A recent article in the Guardian has highlighted the rising cost of one key element of funeral costs, namely the charges by crematoria and cemeteries.

With the average cost of a basic, funeral rocketing to a price which the many families will struggle to afford, according to a survey published by the National Association of Funeral Directors. The research revealed that charges by local authorities for cremation and burial have escalated by up to 48% since 2007, soaring above the rate of inflation, and leaving the funeral directors to justify it to grieving families.

Typical funeral directors fees for the average funeral are reported as £1,515, an increase of 3.25% since 2007 – while the essential third-party charges associated with cremation and burial which exclude the work carried out by the undertaker – grown immensely.

Of course many funerals are left to the family or close friends to organise at a few days notice. There is no time to "shop around" and too many decisions are hurried.

The biggest rise in the cost of funerals over recent years is due to increases in third-party disbursements over which the funeral director has no control.