Ulster Unionist Councillor, Darryl Wilson, has spoken after news of an increase to grave opening fees across the borough, was revealed by a local funeral director.
In a statement released by the councillor, Mr Wilson said,
“We as a council regularly review fees and charges for the services we provide. In the most recent review of burial charges, the internal costs associated with burials were presented to Council.
“We analysed the internal costs not only to council, but also the fees charged by similar sized councils across Northern Ireland
“The Council subsequently voted to increase charges in line with inflation and to help mitigate against the cost to the organisation.
“Even after the increase comes into effect, the increase will still not fully cover the cost.
“I fully appreciate the overall cost of a funeral, in recent years I paid over £4500 to bury a loved one, however I think it is worth noting that over 90% of the total funeral cost went to private companies and the remaining monies to Council for fees.
“The Council certainly do not profit from funerals, and will always endeavour to keep costs to a minimum for the public.
“I have listed some information below which you may find useful.”
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY COUNCILLOR WILSON.
The Cost of purchasing a plot and the first opening of a grave (similar sized Councils, 2020 prices) :
- Causeway Coast & Glens £500 (Same cost at weekends and bank holidays)
- Mid&East Antrim £576 (cost at weekend £733,on bank Holidays £775)
- Lisburn & Castlereagh £843 (cost at weekend or bank holiday £1083)
- Newry, Mourne&Down £460 (cost after 3pm, weekend and bank Holidays £510)
- Ards&North Down £461 (cost at weekend or bank holiday £519)
- Antrim & Newtonabbey £580
(Causeway Coast and Glens cost before 2020 was £380)
