Cost of dying as steep as cost of living
Trade union GMB has said councils are charging thousands of pounds for a simple burial or cremation.
Members at the union’s congress in Plymouth, were told that the cost of dying is so high that someone is “making a lot of money” out of the process.
The City of London charge £3,464 for a cremation. This is the highest cremation charge in a council in the UK.
Burials are even more expensive, especially in London. The borough of Lambeth charges the most, £5,329, with the City of London £5,185, Wandsworth £4,190, Merton £4,125 and Croydon £4,106.
Paul Kenny,
GMBGeneral Secretary, said:
“At a time when the cost of living occupies most peoples concerns it will be a real shock to many living in that the cost of dying is so high.
“While
GMBrealises that the public are not queuing up to test the services, it remains a fact that few have any idea of how much even a simple burial or cremation actually costs.”
These charges are major items in The Sun Life Direct Cost of Dying Survey.
The 2012 edition states that the average funeral costs are £3,284. If all the services are included, for example, funeral director's costs, doctor's fees for certification, flowers, limousines and catering for the wake/reception then the total average is £7,114.
When council charges are included the average funeral costs are £3,284.
“Someone is making a lot of money out of people’s bereavement,” Mr Kenny said.
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