A council U-turn has seen new fees for burials and cremations on the Isle of Wight frozen — but a controversial charge to stream funerals online will go ahead.
The Isle of Wight Council says it's agreed to defer most of the proposed inflationary fee increases, which were set to come in April 1, 2022.
Among the changes proposed was a £125 price hike for adult burials on the weekend, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported.
The local authority said it was "conscious" of the effect of fees on those in poverty, and changed its stance.
As part of changes, the cost of direct cremation has also been reduced from the proposed cost of £608 to £450 - which was the price in 2020/21.
It will come into effect immediately.
Cllr Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for strategic finance, corporate resources and transformational change, said:
""We recognise the need to ensure a respectful and dignified option which will remain affordable to Island residents in financial distress, and this decision reflects our intention to maintain this at an affordable level."
He added:
"Through our bereavement services department, the council supports people through some of the most difficult times of life.
"We are proud of our service and the dedicated staff who deliver it, and we intend to continue to support and improve the department and ensure that it is offering the best and most appropriate services to Island people.
"For that reason we consider very carefully how we pay for and support this essential and highly sensitive service.
"We are conscious of the effect of fees, particularly on those in poverty.
"This year there will be a review of the way in which the department runs as a part of our wider commercialisation review.
"This gives us the opportunity to pause the introduction of almost all these new charges, with the exception of the new streaming video fee which will go ahead as planned."
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