Wolverhampton Council responds following criticism over burial 'fat tax'
The council said that 'no formal decision' was made over plans to charge for larger burial plots.
Wolverhampton Council have said that they have decided not to proceed with plans to charge more for bigger burial plots in their cemeteries.
The statement comes following criticism by residents of the region over a reported planned increase in burial costs at the Danescourt cemetery in Tettenhall, with the new costs seeing a 20 per cent increase to families whose loved ones need a burial plot of 6ft wide instead of the standard 5ft.
The council responded to heavy criticism from residents of the region, saying that 'no formal decision' was ever taken on the plans, and that charging more for larger burial plots is 'common practice' taken by councils across the country.
Responding to the concerns, a Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: "No formal decision was ever taken on plans to charge more for larger burial plots.
“This is a common practice taken by councils around the country where higher charges cover the costs of providing a larger plot.
“However, while under consideration, we have decided not to proceed with the plans."
It comes following criticism from locals around the borough, with one resident saying that it would be akin to 'fat shaming the dead'.
Tracy Wilkins, 52, whose cousin is buried in one of the region's cemeteries, said: "It's terrible really. It would be like fat-shaming the dead, a fat tax.
"The families who are already grieving would also have to cope with the added cost and then the insult of having to pay more because of obesity issues."
However, some residents remain split over the idea, saying that larger burial plots mean more manpower to dig.
Harry Price, 45, of Wolverhampton, said: "It's a bit bad to stick grieving families with a higher price because their family member was larger-bodied.
"But to be brutally honest, it would take more time to dig a bigger grave, and it would take up more ground space, so it's understandable that they would charge a more reasonable amount, I suppose."
The council agreed that, under consideration, they have decided not to proceed with the plans.
