Cremation costs are lower than average

Cremation costs have risen by a third nationally during the past five years but the figure in our district is just 6 per cent.

In 2010-2011 the cost of cremation in Kirklees was £556 and has risen to £587 in 2015-2016.

This compares to an increase of 23 per cent in neighbouring Bradford, which saw costs rise to £650, a 31 per cent increase in Calderdale, which saw costs rise to £655, and a 38 per cent increase in Leeds, which saw the figure rise to £729.

Of the local authorities that responded to a Freedom of Information request, only Lichfield topped Kirklees in terms of price changes, recording a 9 per cent decrease in costs.

Huntingdonshire and Glasgow were the closest contenders with increases of 8 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.

The average cost across the country was £640, which put our district in the lower half of the table.

More than 170 local authorities run at least one of their own crematoriums, while those in other areas are run by private companies.

Kirklees has two crematoriums, in Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

A spokeswoman for Kirklees Council said: “The council regularly looks at our rates and charges, any price increase we make goes towards ensuring we continue to deliver a high quality service.”