Arranging a cremation with a funeral director
The cremation regulations are complex and many people approach a funeral director immediately after death occurs, and advise them that they wish to arrange a cremation. The funeral director will make sure that all the necessary statutory forms for cremation are obtained and presented to the crematorium.
We have two crematoriums in Cumberland, each offering a range of memorial options:
Arranging a cremation without a funeral director
If the deceased has left a will then the executor may arrange the cremation service themselves. If the deceased did not leave a will, the next of kin may arrange the cremation service.
Cremation authorities that are members of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management's (ICCM) Charter for the Bereaved will provide advice to persons arranging a cremation without the use of a funeral director. Cumberland Council are members of the ICCM.
Ceremonies with cremation
The funeral ceremony may take place at your own place of worship with a short committal service in the crematorium chapel, or you may have the whole service at the crematorium chapel.
Alternatively, you may prefer a civil ceremony be conducted, or even no service at all.
When the cremation takes place
Under normal circumstances the cremation is usually carried out shortly after the service and certainly on the same day. However, when a service takes place late in the day or a limited number of services are booked, the cremations may take place within the 72 hour period.
What happens to the cremated remains after cremation
The law relating to cremation requires that cremated remains are disposed of in accordance with the written instructions of the applicant (usually the executor or nearest surviving relative). Most crematoriums have a range of options which might include scattering or burying in the garden of remembrance, placing in a columbarium, interring in a small family vault or niche.
Options for memorials are also available which might include plaques beneath rose bushes, trees or shrubs and memorial benches with plaques. The simplest form of memorial is an entry inscribed in a book of remembrance.
Cremated remains may also be buried in family graves that are full for coffin burials. Alternatively you may be able to purchase a new cremated remains grave in a cemetery.
There is no need to make a hurried decision with regard to the final resting place of the remains with most crematoriums having a facility to hold the remains until a decision is made. If you haven't contacted the crematorium with a decision after a period of time has elapsed you may receive a letter asking if you are ready to go ahead.
If you are not ready, simply tell the crematorium that you need more time (a fee may be applicable). If the crematorium doesn't receive a reply to their letter, they may legally scatter or bury the cremated remains within their grounds after giving two weeks written notice.
Cremation fees
Generally the cost of a grave is much higher than the fee charged for cremation although the funeral charges are similar for both services.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Still born or child up to 1 month | No fee |
| Child 1 month to 17 years | No fee |
| Cremation over 18 years - includes medical referee fee, environmental levy and certificate of cremation | £1,150 |
| Early morning single slot cremation - includes medical referee fee and environmental levy, bio urn and certificate of cremation (Distington Hall) | £950 |
| Direct cremation - includes medical referee fee and environmental levy, bio urn and certificate of cremation | £650 |
Optional cremation fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Additional copies of cremation certificates | £45 |
| Strewing - of remains in the grounds (without an appointment) | £25 |
| Strewing of remains in the grounds (with appointment) | £70 |
| Audio and visual tributes | On application |
| Use of Chapel of Rest (up to 72 hours) per 24 hours | £30 |
| Use of Chapel to extend service to double slot | £170 |
| Cremation body parts, blocks and slides | £136 |
| Casket | £65 |