BEREAVEMENT service charges could increase in a borough.
Rossendale councillors will debate whether to increase charges for the authority's bereavement service, which is estimated to bring in a further £91,000 per year, at tonight's cabinet meeting.
The council provides bereavement services at its four cemeteries, located in Bacup, Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Whitworth and each provide facilities for burials and the interment of ashes.
On average a little over 200 interments occur each year, including those for stillborn babies and children.
Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said: "In order to maintain our service to its current standard, we are having to look at increasing our charges in line with other Lancashire Authorities.
"It’s not a decision we are taking lightly but the proposed increase in charges would ensure that we don’t have to reduce the service or the number of cemeteries.
"It means we could carry on providing the best possible service for families who have lost loved ones."
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