BURIAL and cremation costs are to increase to generate an additional £100k for Bolton Council.

The cost of burying a loved-one will rise by 3.5 per cent and prices of cremation will increase by six per cent.

However, the increase due to be brought in from next week, will be deferred because of the restrictions on the number of people who can attend funerals and the high level of coronavirus cases in Bolton and across Greater Manchester.

The cremation weekday charge is increasing from £825 to £875 and the Saturday rate is going up from £1,100 to £1,170

Compared to costs in neighbouring authorities, including Bury and Salford, Bolton still remains cheaper.

A council report into the proposal ­— which was approved this month ­— stated: “It is proposed increase fees/charges in 2020/21 to meet the £100k saving and efficiency target in bereavement services.

“Bolton Council continues to face significant challenges, requiring a review of budgets on a annual basis.”

Cllr Adele Warren, executive cabinet member with responsibility for bereavement services, said: “In the current climate, we are having to make some difficult decisions.

“Our cremation and funeral fees will still be amongst the lowest in the area and following discussions at the meeting we agreed to defer the increases to a later date due to the ongoing pandemic.

“In these difficult times this feels like a sensible and reasonable thing to do.”

Burial and cremation costs will be free for those aged under-18 in line with the Government’s support for child funeral costs.

The decision on when to introduce the new charges will be delegated to the deputy director of place in consultation with the executive cabinet member.

The Bolton News revealed this week that the council is facing making £40million of savings in just one year, driven by the cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is through lost income, such as business rates, council tax and the dividend from the Manchester Airport Group

Details of how those savings will be met are due to be released at the end of next month and will go out to consultation, before any final decision is made.