Plans to increase charges for burials, cremations and memorials in Cannock Chase face being scrapped, it was revealed today.

Rises of 10 per cent and 14 per cent were planned over two years.

But council leader George Adamson wants to freeze prices and a revised plan is included in the district authority’s draft budget.

A burial plot at Cannock, Rugeley or Stile Cop cemeteries, also in Rugeley, will remain £615 while the fee for installing a headstone will stay at £146.

Councillor Adamson said budget plans drawn up by the previous Liberal Democrat administration had included the increased charges.

The Labour group leader, who took the helm in May, said: “We are proposing to scrap those increases for obvious reasons.

“We are in an economic crisis and we need to make things as easy as possible for people, particularly at a time of family trauma.”

He added: “The rises would have made the council an extra £6,000 next year and a further £7,000 the following year but we think we can manage without that.

“People are struggling and this is something we can do to help.” Stafford Borough Council has already approved rises in burial fees next month.