Uppingham residents voice concerns over proposed increase in burial fees

A resident in a Rutland town has stated that a proposed increase in burial charges is expected to be unaffordable for “a lot of people”. Maggie Clark, aged 67, indicated that although she anticipated the increase, these expenses are not typically a primary concern for individuals and could therefore be unexpected during a time of bereavement. The finance committee of Uppingham Town Council has advanced proposals that include raising the cost for the exclusive right of burial for a single grave from £255 to £335, alongside other fee adjustments. Councillor Trevor Colbourne, who chairs the committee, explained that these fees had not changed for a decade and were currently below prevailing market rates. Ms Clark informed the BBC, “I have sort of been expecting that because everything else has gone up, so why wouldn’t that?” She continued, “It’s not good that it’s going up and people are complaining about it, but I have already got it in my head.” “Personally I can afford that, a lot of people can’t, so I have sympathy for them,” she added. Ms Clark further stated, “If they are not expecting it and they are on just a state pension, it is not going to work for them.” Brian Matthews, a resident of the area for three decades, commented that individuals are facing “day to day” financial difficulties, and this increase would represent another unwelcome expense. The 86-year-old also noted that the current cost-of-living crisis makes it an unsuitable period for any price hikes. He remarked, “It costs you more to flipping die than it does to be born, and it’s getting ridiculous, when you think about the times we’re living in.” “People are struggling from day to day, never mind from year to year,” Mr. Matthews continued. He concluded, “Rents have gone up and then the families will have to find the money to pay this.” This price adjustment will exclusively affect cemeteries managed by Uppingham Town Council, specifically the London Road and Leicester Road locations. In contrast, James Holroyd, 31, stated that he considers himself too young to be concerned about burial charges, and the topic had never occurred to him. “The council probably have their reasons [for the increase],” he commented, adding, “If they’re good reasons, then that’s great.” Mr Holroyd acknowledged that an £80 price increase would likely be a source of worry for certain residents, particularly when considered alongside concerns regarding the recent Budget. According to the town council’s financial forecast for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a budget deficit of £8,713 is projected. Councillor Colbourne, representing Uppingham Town Council, characterized the proposed increases as “modest.” He explained, “Our town clerk looked at the fees in Oakham in particular, and other fees within Rutland, and we know from the data we’re still significantly below our ‘competitors’.” Colbourne further stated, “It’s our view that [the increases] positively helps all residents, because in enhancing council income, that’s going to ameliorate the general uplifts that you see in council tax.” Beyond the increase in the cost for exclusive burial rights, interment fees and other associated charges, including those for headstones and flat stones, are also set to increase.