A north funeral director has hit out at Highland Council for raising costs for end of life services amid the current coronavirus pandemic.
The funeral director, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said the rise in costs implemented by the local authority seems “unjust and unfair” at a time where tensions and fears are already high.
At present, strict restrictions surrounding the number of people present at funerals and cremations have resulted in family members having to forego paying their final respects in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
However, as the new financial year begins the council has increased the cost of its services – a move one funeral director claims is unfair.
The concerned funeral director said: “We already had funeral poverty before the coronavirus outbreak but this seems like another kick in the teeth.
“It seems as if the council are again putting the squeeze on by increasing what are already high fees.
“It is a difficult enough time for families saying their farewells to loved ones and this is totally unjust and unfair.
“It goes against what we are trying to provide – a service that is there for people, and affordable, in times of need.
“Other authorities around the country have much cheaper rates. It is high time Highland Council took note and showed more compassion.”
Prices charged by Highland Council have been reviewed based on their 2019 rates, with the changes coming into force at the beginning of this month.
The largest increase relates to the interment of those aged 18 and above, which has risen by £28 from £931 to £959.
Alasdair Rhind, who serves as a councillor for the Tain and Easter Ross ward, is also a funeral director and said he shared some of the director’s concerns.
He said: “It was something that was agreed in the budget of the council and I accept that, but I did think when it came through – under the current situation that we are under – I thought it was inappropriate for them to put that price increase out to funeral directors.
“It could have been held off. There are many things changing at the moment, in all aspects of the council’s work. Many things are being stopped and many new initiatives are coming into play.
“I think the council has got to be acutely aware, and I am sure they are, of the seriousness of the situation that we are all facing at this moment in time and there needs to be a bit more compassion shown.
“I think it was wrong that those letters went out.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said councillors had opted to apply a 3% increase for the period covering 2020/21 under the budget proposal, with a second opportunity to amend the change in March; however, no further changes were agreed.
The spokeswoman said: “As part of our response to Covid-19 preparations we have removed the additional cost for Saturday burials and cremations.
“Our welfare benefits team provides advice and assistance to bereaved families.”
Budget leader Alister Mackinnon added: “When determining the budget each year, the council and its members have to look at all services available and assess these on a yearly basis.
“These costs were actually agreed at the budget last year with increases each year for the next three years.
“We will have to look at another budget in the next few months because a lot of our income has ceased and whilst there are difficulties out there, there are also opportunities for us to look at different ways of delivering services in a most cost-effective manner.
“We have got to be in a good place moving forward.
“Certainly what has helped us to now is all the governance we have put in place prior to this happening and that has delivered us a far better financial position than we were in at this time last year.
“However, at this moment in time, our main focus is primarily on the health and wellbeing of all of our staff and of the residents across the wider Highland Council area.”
