Following the submission of new fees and charges for burials and cremations at the full council budget meeting on 23rd February, councillors have agreed to defer all of the proposed inflationary fee increases scheduled for 1st April 2022.
Announcing a review of the business model for the whole bereavement services department, Cllr Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for strategic finance, corporate resources and transformational change, said
“Through our bereavement services department, the council supports people through some of the most difficult times of life.
“We are proud of our service and the dedicated staff who deliver it, and we intend to continue to support and improve the department and ensure that it is offering the best and most appropriate services to Island people.
“For that reason we consider very carefully how we pay for and support this essential and highly sensitive service.
“We are conscious of the effect of fees, particularly on those in poverty.
“This year there will be a review of the way in which the department runs as a part of our wider commercialisation review.
“This gives us the opportunity to pause the introduction of almost all these new charges, with the exception of the new streaming video fee which will go ahead as planned.
“In addition, the cost of a direct cremation, which is the cheapest possible option for a bereaved family to have a loved one cremated, is reduced from the proposed cost of £608 to £450 – which was the price in 2020/21.
“This reduction will have immediate effect.
“We recognise the need to ensure a respectful and dignified option which will remain affordable to Island residents in financial distress, and this decision reflects our intention to maintain this at an affordable level.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: dylan nolte under CC BY 2.0
