Burial 'fat tax' on wider plots at cemetery criticised
Summary
A council in Wolverhampton introduced an extra charge for larger burial plots at a local cemetery, which has been criticized as a "fat tax." The council explains this fee as a response to increasing demand for larger plots due to higher obesity rates. Residents and some funeral directors argue that this charge is unfair.Key Facts
- The extra charge for a 6ft wide burial plot at Danescourt cemetery is £2,700, a 20% increase over a standard 5ft plot.
- Wolverhampton's obesity rate is 33.3%, higher than the national average of 25.9%.
- The council argues the fee covers costs like additional soil disposal for larger plots.
- The decision for larger plots was made in May, and 25 funeral directors were consulted, with only one objection recorded.
- Some residents consider the charge discriminatory, while others feel it helps manage costs.
- The council denies trying to compensate for financial shortfalls and says their charges are competitive with neighboring areas.
- A survey found a quarter of 165 funeral directors said local councils charged more for wider plots.
- Other local councils, like Birmingham and Walsall, also charge higher fees for larger graves.
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