Fears of 'follow the leader' in funeral price hikes

Age Scotland has raised fears of Councils using 'follow the leader' as a justification for huge hikes in the cost of some services.  This follows a  massive increase in funeral charges by South Lanarkshire Council.
As part of a savings package of £12.2 million for 2013/14 the cost of a new lair is to rise to £1120, treble what it was in 2010/11.  Internment fees will go up from £685 to £763 while the cost of a cremation will increase from £489 to £565.
Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: "This brings us into line with other authorities such as North Lanarkshire and makes sure our charges are similar."
Age Scotland spokesperson Lindsay Scott said: "These increases are basically putting dying out of reach of many people who have not yet taken out a funeral plan that guarantees to cover costs. They will also be worrying loved ones who may have to meet these costs sometime in the future when a family member dies.
"We understand that Scotland's councils are under financial pressure, but South Lanarkshire Council's latest round of increases, amounting to 33.5 percent in the cost of lairs, 11.5 percent in the cost of interment and 15.5 percent in the cost of cremations, are very steep.
"And the rationale that they are to bring the costs in line with neighbouring councils is, in our opinion, a poor one. On that basis, every time any council increases charges, the rest can simply follow suit."

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