On Tuesday 19th September Kirklees Metropolitan Council will meet to decide proposed price increases for Bereavement Services. The MBCNK (Muslim Burial Council, North Kirklees) feels that the proposed increases are completely unfair and outrageous. What is particularly distressing was the lack for consultation, stakeholders having only been contacted on the 12th September. We urge the Cabinet to oppose the recommendations and ask for a full review.

Potential price rises sees current fees of a basic earthen grave with timber going from £1,999 to £3,525 by the end of 2021. Families distressed at losing loved ones will be further hit by these dramatically higher costs. Not to mention an added surcharge should the burial need to be done on a Friday afternoon or weekend. Which particularly hits the muslim community who deem it a religious duty to bury the deceased promptly.

Let's be honest though, regardless of religion or race, hiking bereavement costs is morally questionable and deserves greater notice and discussion than a week.