RESPECTFUL FUNERALS

Huge steps have been taken to make it easier for families in Renfrewshire to provide a dignified and respectful funeral service if they find themselves in particular financial circumstances

Renfrewshire Council has agreed funding and that council officers will work directly with Funeral Directors to develop an agreed standard for a Respectful Funeral Service for residents within Renfrewshire. This will cost no more than a specified amount and will be below the Scottish average. Funeral Directors which commit to providing this service to the agreed standard and within the cost criteria set, will be included on a list of Funeral Directors provided online which highlights the fact that they can provide a respectful, affordable funeral service.

What feels respectful at a funeral is often shaped by tradition as much as personal choice. Having a clear understanding of funeral etiquette and customs can help people attend or plan a service with confidence and sensitivity.

Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Cllr Iain Nicolson said : “We believe individuals should have access to support which helps to provide a respectful and dignified funeral service, particularly when financial circumstances are already difficult for some families.

Renfrewshire Council have also agreed that all Council costs involved in the death of young children under the age of 16 will be removed. This involves, lairs, internment and registration.

Cllr Nicolson added, “Losing a child is one of the biggest tragedies that a family can endure. The steps we have taken are a small way of helping to support families and show that Renfrewshire Council recognises that the trauma and pain of having to organise your childs funeral is something that no one every plans for or expects to happen”

“I am proud that this SNP administration have brought these policies into force and helping families across Renfrewshire cope with what is often a difficult time for them”

These new policies were approved early 2018 and now the Scottish Government and COSLA have recently agreed to work together to remove all local authority charges for child burials and cremations. While Renfrewshire Council have removed  fees for those 16 and under, this new commitment – which is supported by Scottish Government funding – will see the removal of fees consistently and completely across all council areas, for the burial of those under 18.

Cllr Cathy McEwan, Convener of the Infrastructre, Land and Environment Board welcomes the moves by the Scottish Government adding:. “Dealing with funeral costs can be extremely difficult and it’s important that we look to support parents and families.  “We are pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to ensure that all local authorities can fully commit to removing their charges for the burial or cremation of those aged under 18. I am also pleased to see that at both levels of government, the SNP are working to help families who find themselves in difficult and traumatic circumstances”