THE cost of dying is going up . . . making our final journey probably the most expensive we ever make. Council leisure chiefs last night decided to put its charges for burials and cremations up by around 10 per cent. But the cost of a funeral already leaves grieving relatives having to meet a huge bill at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.

The cost of a funeral, cremation or burial with a modest headstone can easily mount up to around £2,000.

While may bereaved families can fall back on insurance policies taken out by their loved ones, others can't.

Some local funeral directors are now even offering a pay now - pay at today's prices . . . even though it may be years later before the person dies. Payment by instalment is also offered.

But it is a sobering thought paying in advance for your own funeral and many people prefer just not to think about it.

And, of course, many deaths are unexpected with no provisions made for meeting funeral costs.

In an attempt to make funerals more affordable, Bolton Council runs a "no-frills" municipal service with local funeral directors Shaw and Sons which costs £850.

Other funeral directors also run a basic service for around the same price.

But for a more extensive "private" service, the cost is around £1,100.

On top of this, however, is the cost of a headstone and grave surround.

We were quoted prices of between £600 and £900 for this depending on the design and the lettering on it.

Last night's decision by leisure services committee councillors increases the price charged for the actual burial or cremation.

These prices will then be passed on to the funeral directors to be included in the total cost.

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