BURIAL and cremation charges in Colchester could be set to rise to help fund “essential services” as part of what council bosses have described as a “tough decision”. 

Colchester Council has proposed a “modest rise” to various fees and charges for 2024/25.

The plans include a string of charges and increases which will affect residents living in - and visitors to - the city. 

Some of the services which will be impacted include the cost of planning applications and the use of various sports and leisure facilities.

Among the proposals is also an increase in the cost of cremations and burials, which will unlikely go down well with those looking to say goodbye to their loved ones in a dignified way.

Plans outline a standard adult cremation will rise from £908 to £948.

Meanwhile, an adult burial at single depth (137cm) will rise from £810 to £880, and a double depth burial (183cm), will go from £960 to £1,030.

Council bosses have said the proposed increases are in response to the “significant budget gap created” by the coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis.

They also stressed the rises are “in line with the prevailing rate of inflation and are necessary to help the council fund essential services".