A PRICE hike in cemetery charges that means mourning families have to pay nearly 50 per cent more for burials has been lambasted by angry residents and Warrington’s Labour party.

The cost of burial has increased from £499 to £720 and the cost of a grave has risen from £599 to £867.

But despite the changes coming into effect last October, Warrington Borough Council was still publicising the previous rates on its website last week.

Marion Kent, of Lindley Avenue, Latchford, said: “It’s like robbing the dead, there is no excuse to put the price of any service up that much.

“As a widow I know it’s important to have a place to go to remember someone and I think the council is exploiting that.

“Folks will have to start being buried in the back garden because they won’t be able to afford these graveyard prices.”

The Labour party says that residents have never been made aware of the price rises and people would not know the correct prices – even if they checked on the internet.

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of the Labour group, said: “This is a death tax levied on the people of Warrington by an uncaring council.

“Benjamin Franklin said that only two things in this world are certain, death and taxes – it has taken Warrington’s Liberal Democrat/Conservative council to prove it.”

The increase in costs will also come to cremations as the council seeks a partner to install a new burner at Walton Lea Crematorium.

The executive board approved the move in September, which could see costs increase by around £100.

Annie Brookhouse, of Westy Lane, Latchford, added: “You don’t expect to be treated this way when you’re bereaved and vulnerable.

“I’ve lived in Warrington for 50 years.

“I’ve brought my family up here, worked hard all my life and always paid my way.

“For the council to sneak in these increases is a disgrace.”

Clr Ian Marks, council leader, said: “I am disappointed that the Labour group has tried to score political points with such a sensitive subject.

“After the death of a relative it’s a time when families are vulnerable and we are trying to provide a fair service.

“We had a situation where the costs of cremations were subsidising the cost of graves and we have tried to balance this out. We also found that our charges for cemeteries were lower than for most comparable local councils so we have tried to balance this out.”