Reducing costs of a ‘respectful and dignified funeral service’ has moved a step closer in Renfrewshire for those who find themselves in particular financial circumstances during the death of a loved one.
Council costs involved in the death of children under the age of 16 have already been removed completely. This involves lairs, internment and registration.
Renfrewshire Council has agreed on funding which will see Council Officers will work directly with Funeral Directors to develop an agreed standard for a Respectful Funeral Service (RFS) for adult residents who die within Renfrewshire.
It is expected there will be a set price and it will be below the Scottish average. Funeral Directors who commit to providing RFS within the cost criteria set, will be included on a list of Funeral Directors provided online which highlights the fact that they can provide a respectful, affordable funeral service.
The leader of Renfrewshire Council, Cllr Iain Nicolson, said : “We believe individuals should have access to support which helps to provide a respectful and dignified funeral service, particularly when financial circumstances are already difficult for some families.
“Losing a child is one of the biggest tragedies that a family can endure. The steps we have taken are a small way of helping to support families and show that Renfrewshire Council recognises that the trauma and pain of having to organise your child’s funeral is something that no one ever plans for or expects to happen”
“I am proud that this SNP administration have brought these policies into force and helping families across Renfrewshire cope with what is often a difficult time for them”
These new policies were approved in early 2018 and now the Scottish Government and COSLA have recently agreed to work together to remove all local authority charges for child burials and cremations. While Renfrewshire Council put the plans in place early and removed fees for those 16 and under, this new commitment – which is supported by Scottish Government funding – will see the removal of fees consistently and completely across all council areas, for the burial of those under 18.
Cllr Cathy McEwan, Convener of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board welcomes the moves by the Scottish Government, she added: “Dealing with funeral costs can be extremely difficult and it’s important that we look to support parents and families.
“We are pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to ensure that all local authorities can fully commit to removing their charges for the burial or cremation of those aged under 18.
“I am also pleased to see that at both levels of government, the SNP are working to help families who find themselves in difficult and traumatic circumstances”