Funeral costs on the rise in Moray as council implements fee increases
Funeral costs in Moray are set to surge, sparking concerns among families and funeral directors. The Moray Council recently announced that burial fees will be increasing to better align with the actual expenses of maintaining cemeteries and organizing burials. This move comes as part of the council’s annual review of fees, affecting all cemeteries across Moray.
The price hikes are substantial, with burial fees set to rise by more than £700 in some cases. Funeral directors in the region are calling for a reform of burial fees, citing the significant impact these increases will have on families already grappling with the loss of a loved one. Sales of cemetery lairs and the cost of the burial itself will both see a steep increase next month.
One local funeral director, Callum Ross of Tom Ross and Sons Funeral Directors, penned an open letter to the Moray Council expressing his concerns. Ross shared a personal story of how burial fees have skyrocketed over the years, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford traditional burials. The price hikes, he warned, may soon make burial options unattainable for many, leaving only the wealthy able to afford traditional burials.
Another funeral director, Steven Thomson of Steven Thomson and Son Funeral Directors, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the soaring costs that are becoming unsustainable for families. He emphasized that these exorbitant fees could force families to opt for alternative, more affordable options like cremation, pointing to the rising popularity of direct cremations as a cost-effective choice.
The impact of these fee increases extends beyond local residents, as out-of-Moray residents will now face additional charges for burial services. These excess fees are intended to offset the costs of maintaining cemeteries and organizing burials, but they have sparked concerns among families and funeral directors. The disparities in burial fees between Moray and neighboring authorities like Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils have also raised questions about the fairness and accessibility of burial services in the region.
The underlying reasons for these fee increases are attributed to the need for the council to cover the actual expenses of running burial services and maintaining cemeteries. Compliance with new regulations under the Burials Act has also contributed to the rising costs. While the council maintains that these adjustments are necessary to ensure the sustainability of burial services in Moray, concerns remain about the potential financial burden on families already grappling with the emotional and logistical challenges of laying their loved ones to rest.
As families and funeral directors grapple with the implications of these fee increases, the future of burial services in Moray hangs in the balance. The ongoing discussions between stakeholders, council members, and residents will be crucial in shaping the affordability and accessibility of burial services in the region. Amidst these changes, the voices of those directly impacted by these fee hikes will continue to shape the dialogue around the cost of saying goodbye to loved ones in Moray.
