Funerals - Wait Times For Cremation

[barry1010]

One of our neighbours died at the beginning of May. Her funeral won't be until 6 weeks after the issue of the death certificate because of the very long wait time at our local crematoria.  I find this quite shocking.

Is it the same country wide?  I've put this in B&S as I can't think of an alternative

 

[bednobs]

4to 6 weeks is normal here. Burials are quicker

[barry1010]

Yes, burials are often next day here, especially if the chapels aren't needed.  

The last cremation I arranged was a five day wait.  

[Electrochem]

It does seem that this is happening far more often. Why I don't know. Most crematoria can cope with around seven to nine cremations per day, so I can only assume there is an obscure reason for this. Very strange. 

Don't believe the rumours that abound regarding cremation. Bodies are not stored up until the end of the week. Each cremation must take place on the same day as the body is received at the crematorium. Any exception to this can only be done with the permission of the applicant fopr cremation.

[barry1010]

The law is very rigid and specific about crematoria.  Each coffin is cremated separately except in limited circumstances (mother and baby; twin children) - the ashes can't be mixed up.

Doesn't stop all the rumours though.  I don't know if it's the backlog from Covid lockdowns, more deaths than normal or bulk advance bookings from direct to crem companies.

[MargoTester]

My Mum died 25 years ago and it was the same then. I got it arranged quicker because I opted for the 'unpopular' time of 9.00am as all the attendees were local

[Hymie]

My mother died in 2015 and her cremation was around 5 weeks after her death – I don’t recall her complaining of the delay.

[barry1010]

That's interesting, Margot, thanks.

The direct to crem companies bag those 'unpopular' slots now.  I don't know if it's the same for all councils but those times are considerably cheaper where I live

[Blubster]

My old mum died on 3rd March this year at the ripe old age of 89. Her cremation didn't take place until 11th April.

[barry1010]

My condolences, Blubster.  Did you find the wait difficult?

[Blubster]

Not really Barry, quite a lot to do in the interim, such as registering her death, arranging the funeral and service etc.

[barry1010]

My neighbour is struggling, his son is taking care of everything so he feels in limbo

[rowanwitch]

It's due in part to the move from burials to cremations, both with services and without.  The pure creations companies are building more, but local authorities haven't kept pace with the shift in demand.   The delays are as bad for burials but this is due to the change in ethnic make up of the UK with slots kept back for those with a religious imperative for burial to take place  within a specified short period.  This adversely affects city dwellers rather than those living in more rural counties.

[barry1010]

As a few direct to crem funeral providers have their own crematoria there should be a little less demand on council facilities especially as those companies that do not have their own are happy to book the cheaper, unpopular slots.

Our local, huge crem has a very large cemetery and in every part there are always graves 'ready to go'. Everyone can have a short notice burial especially if they don't need the chapels.