The Isle of Wight Council is defending plans to charge grieving families £55 to watch funerals live online.
Live-streaming was introduced on the Island in May 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions limited the number of people able to physically attend services.
So far, it has been provided for free.
Budget proposals
According to the 2022/23 budget proposals, a single fee could be introduced from April. A final decision will be made on 23rd February.
Members of the Isle of Wight Council’s leading Alliance group argue their proposal will help cover the cost of running and maintaining the system, as well as the licenses required by the streaming video host.
The authority’s leaders argue live-streaming funerals has helped mourning relatives and friends feel part of services held during the restrictions.
Comparison with other areas
Elsewhere, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) charges £30 for a live stream, while Southampton charges £80.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said,
“Most crematoriums offer this service charge, on average, at £90 per live stream so our proposed fee is well below this.”
The budget suggests live streaming will make £30,000, as County Hall tries to make £3 million in savings.
Average cost of a funeral
According to recent data from SunLife, the average cost of a funeral is £4,054.
Meanwhile, BCP and Southampton Councils also charge for showing digital photographs on a screen (BCP Council: from £12 per photo; Southampton Council: £25 per photo). This is not included in the Isle of Wight Council budget.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: dylan nolte under CC BY 2.0
