Published November 22, 2017 at 14:40
Rossendale Councillors are to consider a report on a proposed increase in bereavement services charges at next week’s Cabinet meeting on November 29.
Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said:
In order to maintain our service to its current standard, we are having to look at increasing our charges in line with other Lancashire Authorities. Over the last few years, we have managed to keep our bereavement services charges fairly low but unfortunately due to the massive pressure on our budget and losing millions in funding, we have to look again at this area.
It’s not a decision we are taking lightly but the proposed increase in charges would ensure that we don’t have to reduce the service or the number of cemeteries. It means we could carry on providing the best possible service for families who have lost loved ones.
We remain committed to not charging for the service in the very sad event that families need to intern stillborn babies or children under 14, something we brought in a number of years ago.
Find details of the proposed changes here