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james73 · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject: Private firms may run cemeteries

Private firms may run cemeteries

MUNICIPAL crematoria and cemeteries in Glasgow could soon be run by private
firms after record low usage and a shortfall in income of hundreds of thousands
of pounds.

Since last April, the number of cremations in the city has dropped by more
than 1000 - down by 25% on the recent average - while turnover from the
service is £350,000 less than anticipated.

The council admits there has been a financial knock-on through unsold
memorials, flowers, caskets and "associated ancillary products".

The shortage of funerals going through its books has prompted the city
council to attempt to take on competition by allowing weekend burials and
cremations.

Discussions have also taken place over the more critical action of forming
a pact with the private sector.

However, Glasgow's problems, while bigger than most in the UK, are not
unique. According to the professional body for the management of
graveyards and crematoria, partnerships - in which private firms manage
and operate council-owned facilities - are increasingly seen by local
authorities as the only way to maintain a meaningful role in the service.

In the UK, more than 70% of all funerals are now cremations, mainly
because they are cheaper and quicker than the traditional burial.

With no profit in interment, firms such as Dignity Funerals have made
strides to corner the crematoria market, opening facilities in Lanarkshire,
Ayrshire and Dundee in the past decade and offering rates competing with
council funerals.

In Glasgow, the annual average number of cremations is now 4500, down
1000 on the most recent five-year average. The council charges £311 to
the bereaved of its citizens and £467 to non-residents.

James H
_________________
Happiness ain't at the end of the road - Happiness *IS* the road...

cybers · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:23 am Post subject:

Lmao First they tell us we are dying to young (Sick man of Europe) Then they moan cos we aint dying fast enough...
But the part that really made me smile was the very last line...