Switch from burials to cremations set to leave Dumfries and Galloway £60,000 out of pocket
Dumfries and Galloway Council is facing a financial setback as more people opt for cremations over burials, which has resulted in a loss of income. The council anticipates being £60,000 short by the end of the financial year due to the decreasing popularity of burials. With an expected number of burial plots remaining unsold, the council is working to find ways to mitigate the financial impact of this shifting trend.
According to a report to be presented at the council’s economy and resources committee, finance officer Thomas Alder stated that the community assets service is projected to overspend by £84,000 at the end of the financial year. This overspend includes a projected income shortfall of £60,000 associated with burials. The decrease in burial demand is in line with national trends favouring cremations, which are typically more cost-effective. The council is exploring options such as promoting advanced lair purchases to offset the revenue loss.
In Dumfries and Galloway, purchasing a burial plot costs £643 for residents and £896 for non-residents, in addition to other funeral expenses. The council offers a scheme for pre-purchasing burial lairs, but limited availability due to space constraints in some cemeteries. The average cost of a cremation in the region was £960 in 2024, according to The Cremation Society.
Historically, burials were the primary method of body disposal in Britain until cremations surpassed burials in 1968. The preference for cremations has further increased, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when funeral restrictions were in place. By 2022, nearly 80% of deceased individuals in Dumfries and Galloway had opted for cremations.
Insights and Summary:
The transition from burials to cremations reflects broader societal shifts and changing preferences in end-of-life practices. While cremations are becoming more popular due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility, local authorities like Dumfries and Galloway Council are facing financial challenges as a result of declining burial revenues. It is crucial for councils to adapt to these evolving trends and explore innovative solutions to sustain financial stability in the provision of funeral services.