Grave in Preston Cemetery in Ribbleton

Burial charges in Preston are set to be frozen this year.

Councillor John Swindells is expected to agree to hold prices ahead of a 4% increase in 2013.

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An exclusive burial in the city currently costs £704 while a cremation is £550.

An adult burial in a private grave is £400 and is currently being reviewed by the council.

Cllr Swindells, who is cabinet member for planning and regulation, could raise an extra £30,000 for the council if approving the 2013 rise.

A council report states: “The numbers of burials and cremations can vary significantly from year to year, making the prediction of future income imprecise.

“Budget setting is normally based on the average numbers over the preceding three years, unless there is information to suggest that alternative numbers may be a more precise estimate.

“Since the fee increases from 2013 are a uniform percentage across both burial and cremation the rise will be applied equally to the whole community.”

If approved a cremation will cost £572 and burial will be £732 from 1st April next year.

Councillors have previously rejected trying a varied fee rise approach for burial and cremation.

Cllr Swindells will make the decision at 2pm on Friday 27th January. View all the documents relating to this decision.

How Preston compares

Chorley – £840.40 for exclusive right of burial, £420.25 for adult burial and

Fylde – £495 for grave purchase fee, internment fee of £375, cremation fee is £455

Ribble Valley – £335 for grave plot or woodland burial

What do you think of the price freeze and rise in 2013? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

Image credit to Tony Worrall