Cemetery fee increase criticised

12:17pm Thursday 15th February 2007

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THE cost of dying in Ealing has gone up by ten per cent, with cemetery fees hitting a whopping £1,500.

The increase, which began in November, has sparked concerns from councillors, who fear the rise will hit families hardest when they are at their most vulnerable.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, shadow cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "I hope these above inflation increased costs will see the Conservatives commit to using the money raised to improve the safety, security and appearance of our borough's cemeteries.

"The worry is that this is just a cynical ploy to raise money from families at a time when they are the most stressed and upset.

"If that is the case this charge just increases their suffering.

"For many people they don't want to shop around for the best price but want to know that they can visit their loved ones close by."

Burial costs at Ealing's five council-run cemeteries are £1,486 for a two-person plot, and £1,119 for a three person space.

The lease runs for 30 years, at which time it has to be renewed.

And other charges such as death duties and funeral bills only add to the family's burden.

Neil Dhot, at Ealing Council, said the rise in prices were to pay for the increased overheads and an expansion at Greenford Park Cemetery. He said: "Our charges were lower than the rest of London and this has brought us into line with that now."