Worries have been raised over proposals to introduce new charges to Perth Crematorium.
The plans were discussed during a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee. Councillor Callum Gillies said he was uncomfortable at passing extra costs on to grieving families.
“They can buy this thing for 10 years but after that they still have to renew that lease and pay 75% of the initial cost,” he said. “Up until now it has been a one-off payment for families.
“It’s going to be difficult for some to be able to afford this now.”
In a bid to offer more value for money, Mr Gillies called for names to be entered into the Book of Remembrance as part of the package, so there is always a reminder of their loved one.
He was advised, however that this would continue to be paid for separately.
Although he had some sympathy for the difficulties it could cause some people, environment convener Alan Grant said they must “do what they can to balance the books”.
He added: “We have to run this, not like a business but as something covering a reasonable proportion of its costs.”
Members were told the crematorium had a target income of £20,000 each year, including memorial lease sales, which would, at best, make a “small profit”.