On Monday 9th November, it emerged that funerals offered by Brent Council are likely to be more expensive after agreements from the cabinet to pursue plans of establishing a new company to manage them.
Harrow Times reported that senior councillors have approved suggestions made by council officers to create a trading company in this area to potentially increase profits. This entails that the cost of funerals offered by the Council could jump with £1,250 for a basic burial and £1,500 for a basic cremation to up to £3,200. The Council’s initiative appears as it believes that the new company could generate around £260,000 in yearly profits. They also anticipate that there would be “significant opportunities to also tender for NHS contracts” alongside possibilities of working with other organisations across London.
Discussing the subject with Harrow Times, Cllr Krupa Sheth, who is responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said it was the right way to deal with “increased demand” for such services while council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt said it will “allow us to continue to support people in their time of need and grief”.
In a report presented to the council’s cabinet, officers admitted this “moves away” from the original low-cost funeral option offered to residents, but they believe there will be scope for price reductions “as the business builds”. They also insist the new approach will continue to help reduce funeral poverty, while they pointed out the packages offered will remain cheaper than the UK average, which is estimated at £3,858.
