Funeral directors say they have been left “horrified” by a steep price hike at a Kent crematorium – with grieving families already choosing to go elsewhere.
Herne Bay Crematorium has announced it will increase the cost of peak midweek services and cremations from £1,150 to £1,425 from April 1 – making them among the most expensive in the UK.
Herne Bay Crematorium opened in 2023. Picture: Westerleigh Group
The 24% rise – far higher than increases at nearby sites – has sparked concern among undertakers, who warn it could price some families out.
Nick Hardy, owner and director of Woollard and Kent Funeral Services, says the reaction within the industry has been one of shock.
“Most of us were horrified it had gone up so considerably, especially as other crematoriums haven’t increased by as much,” the 57-year-old said.
“I think the price will make a difference to people – they’re not going to pay a few extra hundred pounds for very little difference.
“There’s another crematorium down the road in Faversham (Memoria). Clients are naturally going to go there because it’s cheaper, and we’ve absolutely seen an increase in people choosing that instead.
Nick Hardy is the owner and director of Woollard & Kent Funeral Services. Picture: Woollard & Kent Funeral Services
“They both have very similar facilities, and Memoria also offers 90 minutes for a service compared to an hour at Herne Bay.”
The crematorium, which opened in 2023, is owned by Westerleigh Group, which runs more than 40 sites nationwide.
The only others in Kent are in Barham and Charing, where fees will also increase to £1,425, but from £1,250, so the hikes are not as steep.
However, equivalent services at other Westerleigh sites in England, Scotland and Wales will cost as little as £1,225.
By contrast, rival sites nearby remain significantly cheaper.
Memoria Faversham Crematorium will charge £1,095 from April 1 – a 10% increase from £995 – while Thanet Crematorium is rising by just 4% to £1,120.
Crematorium fees for peak midweek services are going up on April 1
Both offer comparable services, with Memoria also providing longer 90-minute slots.
Further afield in Kent, the cost drops even further, with Medway Crematorium increasing its fees on April 6 by just £35 (4%) to £855.
The price relates to peak weekday services, which funeral directors say are the most in demand.
John Wells, of Beltinge and District Funeral Services in Herne Bay, says he expects bereaved families to choose to go elsewhere.
“Herne Bay has this increase, and that’s their decision,” he said.
“But we’re fortunate that we can offer people a choice of going to other crematoria at a far reduced cost.
John Wells, of Beltinge and District Funeral Services, says it is lucky families have a choice to go elsewhere
“The changes at Herne Bay are quite the increase in one go. It’s going to make life difficult for some families, for sure. It’s a lot of money.”
A spokesperson for Herne Bay Crematorium said it offers “70 weekly service options”, with more than 35% set to be either unchanged in price or reduced.
KentOnline was unable to identify any directly comparable one-hour services that will be cheaper than current prices from April 1, with any reduced in price also cut in length to 30 minutes from an hour.
The spokesperson added that “just 12 services” – peak midweek slots between Monday and Wednesday – will see the full 24% increase, affecting about 17% of all services.
However, its new pricing sheet shows some other services will rise in cost by as much as 15%.
The spokesperson said: “These changes reflect sustained external cost pressures, including increases in National Insurance, wages, business rates and rent, energy volatility, and high supplier costs for maintenance and essential consumables – all outside our control.
“We recognise any increase is difficult at such a sensitive time. Our focus has been on protecting choice, with a wide range of service options still available, and most audio-visual personalisation prices held.
“Our priority remains supporting families with transparency, flexibility and exceptional care.”