In a move that has surprised us at Sarsfield Memorials, Liverpool City Council Cemeteries Department informed us recently that they are increasing their prices by 5% as of 3rd February 2025. This is against the usual practice of any rises coming into effect in April, in line with the new financial year.
The new charges mean that the price of a full-size grave plot has increased from £1168 to £1226. The cost of a cremated remains plot has gone up from £723 to £759. Charges for erecting monuments on plots will now be £408 for burial plots and for a replacement memorial or to mark a grave bought before 2001 that has never been marked £193. These are up from £389 and £184 respectively.
The new charges have not yet been uploaded to the city council’s website and we hope they will be very soon, given the 3rd of February is less than a fortnight away. However, you can view them by clicking on the link at the end of this blog.
It is not just the installation of memorials where fees have to be paid, meaning installing or replacing a memorial is becoming even more expensive at a time when the cost of living remains high. Fees also apply to adding kerb sets, new inscriptions and even extra vases.
The 5% increase is double the inflation rate, currently around 2.5%. It is in stark contrast to neighbouring Sefton Council, where it is proposed to increase fees by just 2%, recognising people’s hardships. These proposed increases are scheduled to come into effect on 1st April, as would be expected.
We have asked the Liverpool City Council Cemeteries Department why the increases are being brought in early, only to be told that it is a corporate decision with little explanation offered. It is, with regret, that some of our customers will now have to pay more than we initially quoted when their orders have been completed. Sadly, we are unable to absorb these increases. However, we will do all we can to help those who are facing difficulties in making these unexpected payments.
If you are considering installing a memorial in one of the cemeteries maintained by Liverpool City Council and have any queries regarding these new charges, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to assist.
LCC Cems and Crems Full Service Price Information 3rd Feb 2025