Funeral costs in Argyll and Bute could soar by 15% amid plans to charge extra for photo slideshows

The cost of a cremation or burial in Argyll and Bute could rise by 15%, while families could be charged extra for a slideshow as part of a funeral.

Council officials have acknowledged that the area is already more expensive than neighbouring authorities for cremations at its only crematorium, in Cardross.

However, it is now proposed to increase burial and cremation charges in order to raise £33,000 of additional income, which has already been built into the council’s budget outlook.

A list of possible extra fees has also been published, including £57 for a slideshow as part of a service at the crematorium and £88 for a musical tribute.

The council’s budgeting pack will go before its policy and resources committee at its meeting on Thursday, February 19. The council will set its budget on Wednesday, February 25.

The council currently charges £1,034 for an adult cremation, compared with £1,003 in Highland Council, £993 in West Dunbartonshire Council and £925 in Inverclyde Council. Stirling Council does not operate any crematoria.

Meanwhile, the cost of a new adult lair is £1,239 in Argyll and Bute, compared with £935 in Highland Council, £1,361 in West Dunbartonshire Council, £1,273 in Inverclyde Council and £1,580 in Stirling Council.

The report said: “The information outlines that there is scope for increasing fees and charges relating to burials, however, Argyll and Bute Council is already the highest charging council for cremations and therefore it is suggested that council may wish to only focus on increases above inflation for burials.

“Council would need to give consideration as to whether the fees should be increased by 15% for both burials and cremations and the impact that may have.”

Meanwhile, possible additional charges for use of the crematorium have also been published, which include a £57 charge for a slideshow of up to 25 photos without music. Adding music brings the price up to £88.

A themed tribute is proposed to cost £120 while a bespoke tribute is earmarked at £507. There are also proposed charges for extra photos and live streaming, while a £96 organist fee is also listed.