'Rethink planned hike of burial fees'

Plans to increase burial fees in Swansea cemeteries are being considered as part of the upcoming council budget.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter

Plans to increase burial fees in Swansea cemeteries are being considered as part of the upcoming council budget.

(RICHARD YOULE)

PLANS to increase burial and cremation fees by more than £200,000 next year in Swansea should be reconsidered, the leader of the opposition said.

Cllr Chris Holley said the proposed hike seemed very large. He was speaking at a scrutiny meeting in which council leader Rob Stewart and finance director Ben Smith elaborated on budget proposals for 2026-27.

As things stand there is a requirement to make savings of £12.7 million. These can include increases in fees as well as budget cuts.

Among the proposals being put forward by the Labour administration is a £217,000 rise in cremation and burial fees.

“It does seem to be an extremely large increase considering some of the things we have done in the past,’ said Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Holley. “It's one that I would ask you to look at again.

Cllr Stewart said the burial and cremation element of the cost of a funeral overall was relatively small and that the council was looking to be “competitively priced” in terms of providing this service.