Monday March 2nd 2026
Glasgow skyline
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Charges for some bereavement services in Glasgow are being increased, with non-residents set to pay double and cremation costs expected to rise too.
Glasgow City Council agreed to the changes on Tuesday when councillors met to set a budget for 2026/27.
The introduction of non-resident charging is expected to bring in £150,000 while £375,000 could be raised through lifting prices for cremation services.
Under the plans, new lairs (burial plots) for those who live outside Glasgow will rise from £771 to £1,542 and new ashes lairs will go from £355 to £711.
Coffin internment for non-residents will now cost £1,148 rather than £574 and ashes internment will be priced at £338, up from £169.
A council spokesman said: “Non-resident charging is common across the funeral services provided by Scottish local authorities.
“This measure will help to prioritise our bereavement service’s land for Glasgow residents.”
Budget papers state the average surcharge for non-residents using other councils’ funeral services is 181%. Glasgow’s figures are “based on introducing a surcharge of 100% and savings have been reduced for a 25% reduction in demand from non-Glasgow residents”.
The budget, which passed after a deal between the city’s SNP and Green groups, also included a proposal to explore options for increasing income for bereavement services.
It is expected to raise £375,000 and is set to include standard cremation charges, webcasts and early bird/sunrise timeslots.
“This approach is intended to support the ongoing financial sustainability of bereavement services while maintaining service quality, statutory compliance, and appropriate investment in council-owned facilities,” the budget papers stated.
“The proposed increase will apply specifically to elements that have been identified as areas where demand remains stable and where pricing remains competitive when benchmarked against neighbouring authorities and private providers.”
Glasgow City Council provides burial services in the 32 cemeteries and churchyards within the city boundaries as well as cremation services at Linn and Daldowie crematoria.
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