Longer lives increase the cost of dying

The cost of burying residents has shot up from £845.50 to £1,225, while fees for non-residents rose from £1,691 to £1,750.

There is also a single charge for cremations of £584, up from £452 for residents and £575 for others.

Coun Peter Wheatley, Cabinet member at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The increase in the cost of cremations and burials has been brought about due to rising inflation, running costs and a national reduction in mortality rates.

“We have also managed to keep these costs low in comparison to other local authorities in our region, but we unfortunately have to make difficult decisions and this is one of them.

“The new charges are now more in line with those of our immediate neighbours.”

He added: “We hope that people will understand why we have had to do this. In times of financial restraint, although regrettable, it is important that we look at all of our charges for services and a rise in these fees is unavoidable.”