openPR Logo
Press release

Direct cremation: Research shows funeral service costs vary wildly across the UK

The 2021 cost of cremation varies throughout Great Britain

The 2021 cost of cremation varies throughout Great Britain

New research by Direct Cremation by Harbour shows that cremation costs are very different across the country and that the price people are expected to pay is often based solely on location.

The average cost of cremation in the UK is £3,885 but with cremation fees rising faster than inflation, the average cost of a formal service for a direct cremation funeral is expected to be over £5000 by 2030.

Yet some people are paying more than others, depending on the area in which their loved ones are cremated. It is often unrelated to the cost of living or affluence of the area either. For instance, it costs an average of £317 more to be cremated in East London than it does in West London.

So why are costs so variable? The main reason is lack of competition. The UK's 300 crematoria are mainly run by local authorities – except for those run by just two corporations – who set their own prices and can charge what they like. Planning restrictions make it almost impossible to build near existing crematoria to compete, so there is no incentive for crematoria to lower their prices.

To add to the inequity, throughout the pandemic people are often paying increased prices for a shorter memorial service and fewer guests, which means they are effectively paying more for less. Some venues allow only a maximum of 20 minutes for the service, including the time it takes for mourners to arrive and leave the room.

It is therefore not surprising that people are increasingly seeking alternatives to a traditional cremation funeral. And it’s not just about the cost: more people are looking for a less formal, less religious funeral or a more personal and individual funeral.

Direct cremation services vs a traditional funeral

Direct Cremations now account for one in 14 funerals. These offer an average saving of around £2,900 and are a more flexible alternative to a traditional funeral, allowing people to celebrate their loved ones lives in their own way.

Steven Cains, founder of Direct Cremations by Harbour, says, “currently crematoria have a captive market and can charge what they like. As people become disillusioned with expensive and hurried traditional funeral services, we expect the popularity of a more flexible and fairly-priced service like direct cremation to continue to rise.”

For more information contact Direct Cremation by Harbour on 0800 133 7961 or send an email to help@harbourfunerals.com

You can visit the website at: https://harbourfunerals.com

Harbour Funerals Limited, Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX

Memorial service: About Direct Cremation by Harbour

Direct cremation by Harbour separates the cremation process from the attended service. The cremation happens quickly and they can personally deliver the ashes anywhere in the country. Friends and family can then hold a service or memorial event at a time and place of their choosing. The company is committed to affordability and fair pricing. Prices start from £895.

This release was published on openPR.

Permanent link to this press release:

Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.

You can edit or delete your press release Direct cremation: Research shows funeral service costs vary wildly across the UK here

News-ID: 2315380 • Views:

More Releases for Great

Meet Times BPO: Behind Every Great Brand is a Great BPO
New Delhi, India - August 4, 2025 - In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, where growth, efficiency, and scalability are non-negotiables, the engine that quietly drives some of the world's best-performing brands is Business Process Outsourcing. At the heart of that engine is Times BPO, a company that has, for over 13 years, helped startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises build, scale, and strengthen their operations. From launching call center businesses to
Great Business Stories Podcast: 1 Great Story in 1 Hour
For anyone who loves a great business story but doesn't have the time to read every book, then the Great Business Stories podcast is a must. On the 1st of every month a new episode is released where a great business story from the recent or distant past is thoroughly researched and brought to life by Caemin and Keith in each hour-long episode. As co-founders of a successful business, Caemin and Keith
Global Feeler Gauge market 2017 - Great Star, Great Wall, Jetech Too, Mitutoyo
Global Feeler Gauge market 2017 Research Report offers a complete and in-depth analysis of the growth rate of the Feeler Gauge industry. In the first section, Feeler Gauge Market report presents the overview of Feeler Gauge industry which includes definitions, classifications, applications and Feeler Gauge industry chain structure. Global Feeler Gauge Market further includes Feeler Gauge development history, competitive analysis of Feeler Gauge industry. Top leading Manufacturers Analysis of Feeler Gauge:- 1
Musk Market 2016 - Firmenich, Symrise, PFW, Yingyang, Great Nation, Great Nation
The Global Musk Market 2016 Industry Research Report focused on major manufacturers, regions, type as well as application of the Musk industry. “Musk is a class of aromatic substances commonly used as base notes in perfumery. They include glandular secretions from animals such as the musk deer, numerous plants emitting similar fragrances, and artificial substances with similar odors. Musk was a name originally given to a substance with a penetrating
Great New Book
Still Beautiful “The Color of Beauty”: Powerful New Book of Poetry Spans Life’s Journey; Written as a ‘Companion’ for those Reaching Out to God & Loved Ones. It’s a window into a past that’s still with us today Written from the heart and experiences of Kevin Bates, ‘Still Beautiful’ fuses fun, family love, spiritual, emotional and thought-provoking poetry to guide readers through life’s triumphs and defeats. Built into three compelling sections, every
English Chefs Win Gold In Luxembourg with “Great menu, great food, great prese …
Simon Hulstone, chef owner of The Elephant Restaurant, Torquay, was part of the English National Culinary Team that won Gold at the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg, November 22-24. Next stop for the Michelin-starred chef is ‘the big one’: he heads Team UK at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon in January 2011. The Bocuse d’Or is one of the world’s most prestigious cooking competitions, often referred to as