Agenda item

During the Budget Setting Cycle the Council reviews its Fees and Charges for various facilities and services it operates.

Included is the schedule of charges in respect of the assets and services which fall under the responsibility of this Committee, and the Committee is requested to review and approve or amend, as necessary.

The Committee received and considered the details of the proposed increase to Halls & Cemeteries costs from April 2026.

Members heard of the general increase of 4% to burial fess and 5% for Halls related charges which reflected the additional cost to the Council and also aligned with the Council’s medium term financial strategy and that the Council would continue to charge double fees to those accessing burial services who live outside of the parish.

In response to a Member’s question, the RFO responded to confirm that the costs of running the two cemeteries were not fully recovered by the burial fees charged due to the significant ground and general maintenance costs, such as the tree works required at Tower Hill. A full review of costs had been provided to the Committee as requested in January 2025.

Recommended:

That, the proposed 4% increase for burial fees and 5% for Halls charges for 2026-27, be agreed.