Bedford Borough’s Mayor has been criticised for his plans to increase significantly cemetery and crematory fees for a seventh consecutive year.

As part of the Mayor’s Liberal Democrat and Labour Executive’s budget proposals for 2017/18, cemetery and crematory fees are set for a staggering 6% above-inflation rise, swelling the Council’s coffers by an extra £100k a year.

Cllr Roger Rigby, Deputy Leader of the Council’s Conservative Group, has labelled the plans an excessive ‘Death Tax’.  He said:

‘Cemetery and crematory fees have been a constant target for the Mayor with significant increases every year under his administration. 

‘Shortly before Mayor Hodgson came to power, a garden burial at the Norse Road crematorium would cost £655.  Under his stewardship the charge is now £923 with a further 6% above-inflation increase to come next year if he gets his way.

‘In March of this year, MPs published a report showing that the basic cost of a funeral can push families into debt at a time of great distress.  The Mayor should consider this and not keep targeting cemetery and crematory fees to bolster the Council’s finances while at the same time failing to cut his own pay and that of councillors.’