Mansfield District Council has announced a proposed increase in cremation fees for the 2025/26 financial year.
The revised fees are part of the annual review conducted by the Mansfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, aim to address inflation and ensure the service’s financial viability while maintaining its position as one of the more affordable options in the region.
Starting from 1 April 2025, the standard cremation fee is set to rise by 5%, increasing from £969 to £1,017. The new fee also incorporates a medical referee fee of £18.50, bringing the total cost for a standard cremation to £1,035.50. This marks a consistent upward trend, with planned increases of 5% per year approved in principle for 2026/27 and 2027/28, which will see the fee reach £1,121 by 2027/28.
The Mansfield Crematorium, which conducted 2,211 cremations in 2023, ranks as the fifth most affordable in the local area and the 202nd lowest in price among 334 UK crematoria. In comparison, the 2023/24 fee of £923 was lower than neighbouring facilities such as Chesterfield (£965) and Sherwood Forest in Ollerton (£1,034).
The decision to increase fees aligns with the council’s broader financial strategy, which considers inflationary pressures, operational costs, and market conditions. As of September 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measured inflation at 1.7%, though it is expected to rise temporarily to 2.75%. The Bank of England’s base rate, currently at 5%, also factors into the council’s financial planning, as rising interest rates contribute to increased costs for public services.
The crematorium’s financial data indicates that income from cremation fees totalled £1.85 million in 2023/24, a slight decrease from £1.91 million in 2022/23. The forecast for 2024/25 anticipates 2,200 cremations, generating approximately £2.03 million in revenue. However, this is expected to decline to 2,000 cremations in 2025/26 due to the opening of a new crematorium in Shirebrook.
In addition to the standard cremation fee, the Mansfield Crematorium offers a range of services to accommodate varying needs and budgets. Options include off-peak and direct cremations, which are priced at £806 and £441, respectively. For families requiring extended services, additional fees apply, such as £182 for chapel use beyond the standard time and £67 for the strewing of remains from other locations.
The council’s report underscores the importance of balancing affordability with sustainability. The proposed increases are intended to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services without placing undue financial strain on families. However, the potential reputational risks associated with fee hikes have been acknowledged, prompting the council to benchmark its charges against regional and national averages.
This fee adjustment comes as part of a broader annual review, which also includes updates to miscellaneous fees such as webcast services, visual tributes, and memorial options. For example, a live webcast of a funeral service, including a 28-day recording, will cost £67 from April 2025, while themed photo tributes will start at £109.
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