Subject: Leicester Council's Killer proposal : Another proposed massive increase in funeral/burial charges of 8% on top of 22% already implemented Dear Councillor Piara Singh Claire I am writing to you in your capacity as the cabinet lead responsible for bereavement services and who I believe has the responsibility for proposing increases or decreases in cremation and burial charges. You no doubt are aware of the concerns of the Hindu, Sikh,Jain and other Faith communities on the impact the hike up of funeral and burial charges causes to these communities. Within this context, I refer to the Leicester Mercury article ,accessed through the following web page which outlines Council's proposals to increase the cremation charges by 8%. http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-City-Council-price-rises-ndash-snapshot/story-14198741-detail/story.html Please note that the Council increased the charges by 22% only 10 months ago when the inflation was running at about 3%. You are now planning to raise it by another 8% when the current inflation rate is about 4%! I would be grateful if you would give us some explanation justifying these proposed massive increases in charges. Has the cost gone up by this amount? Has the Council improved the services ie when will you start the Saturday,Sunday funeral services? When will you cut the 48 hour requirement for papers to be in before the cremation time? When will you sort out the cold floor in the Foyer between the two 'Chapels'? When will you install facilities for drying hands? The list can go on but I am sure you know that these issues are not new and have been going on for the last several years without the Council doing anything about them. I know the Council has to find savings but 'taxing the dead' and causing serious financial difficulties to the bereaved family with two hefty increases in funeral and burial charges within a short period beggars belief. I await your reply. Mukesh Naker