Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the proposal to set up a Halton Residents’ Funeral package.

          The Board was advised that the average cost of a funeral had almost doubled since 2005, with costs expected to continue to rise in future years. Following the death of a loved one, families had to make decisions about funeral arrangements and to make choices which increasingly plunged them into serious and long term debt.

The report set out details of a proposed Halton Residents’ funeral package to provide a reasonably priced dignified funeral service, which would be indistinguishable from any other funeral service. The report set out in more detail what a fixed price Residents’ Funeral package would include.

Reason(s) for Decision

To help to alleviate funeral poverty within the Borough.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The Council could simply do nothing and leave the delivery of this type of service to the market. If that option was taken, prices for funerals would continue to rise, putting more residents into debt.

Implementation Date

January 2018.

          RESOLVED: That the setting up of a Halton Residents’ Funeral offer, as set out in Section 4 of the report, be approved.