Changes to Sheffield cremations as social distancing continues

Sheffield Council is increasing the number of what it calls ‘direct cremations’ and is also reducing the cost of all services because the length of them are much shorter.

Cremations are now limited to 10 mourners in Sheffield and services are only taking about 15 minutes.

To reflect the shorter service, the standard charge is being reduced from £900 to £850.

Direct cremations with specific time slots will be reduced from £550 to £500 and there's a new direct cremation without a time slot for £650.

In a report, officers say: “Cremation service lengths are being reduced and the number of direct cremation services is also being increased.

“This is to allow a greater number of cremations each day to ensure there is capacity for increased numbers of deaths.

“Based on the average number of cremations over the last three weeks, the financial impact would equate to a loss of around £3,600 per week.

“However, some of this loss will be offset by the increased numbers of cremations. These price changes will be in place for as long as the reduced service length is in place.”

The Government recently said more mourners could attend cremations. City Road and Hutcliffe Wood previously had a limit of five mourners but this has increased to 10.

The report adds: “The latest announcements from the Government relaxes some measures slightly but the lowest number of attendees at a funeral is still the preferred option at Sheffield.”