FEES for bereavement services provided by Powys County Council are to increase by 65% next month, it has been confirmed.

The increase will come into force from New Year’s Day following a recent review of the service. The council manages 19 cemeteries across the county.

A new double grave in a Powys managed cemetery will cost £1,722.72 following the increase compared to current rate of £1,044.32.

Some of the bereavement services affected by the increases include burial registration, burial excavation, the scattering of ashes and the purchase of exclusive right of burial.

Councillor John Powell, the council’s cabinet member for environmental protection, said: “The council is facing severe financial pressures and has to find £27m of savings over the next three financial years.

“This means we have to review the services we provide, including the fees for council services such as our bereavement services.

“There are significant costs associated with managing our 19 cemeteries including grave digging and regular maintenance of our cemeteries. The increases enable the council to fully recover the cost of the service.

“Taking the decision to increase fees is never easy but with the financial pressures that we are faced with, we have no other options but to increase these fees.”

The decision has been criticised by the Conservative councillor for Llandrindod North, Gary Price.

Cllr Price, who is standing for the party at next year’s Welsh Assembly elections, pointed to report prepared by accountants Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) that said the authority could raise an additional £125,000 from cemetery fees.

"The proposed increase in cemetery fees of a inflation busting 65% is wholly unacceptable and further demonstrates the total lack of care and compassion that the independent cabinet and councillors have for grieving families at what is a traumatic and sad time," said Cllr Price.

"It is evident that they are increasing fees by such a whopping 65% in an attempt to raise a further £125,000 as identified by the consultants review prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers."

Fees will continued to be doubled for the burial of non-Powys residents.