SAIF is pleased to announce that Wolverhampton City Council has abandoned plans to increase burial charges for bariatric coffins by 20 percent. 

We are grateful to the local authority for listening to concerns about the move, which essentially discriminates against people who are obese. 

Our local members in the Black Country who use burial and cremation services in Wolverhampton stand ready to work with the council to find a sensible way forward to protect the interests of those who are grieving, ensuring equality of treatment for all.  

SAIF is also pleased to learn that Wolverhampton City Council has abandoned an additional plan to create a separate area for bariatric coffins in Danescourt Cemetery. A council spokesperson confirmed today that there will be “a new space for burials to accommodate coffins of all sizes”, adding that “we will always aim to place loved ones together where possible”.

We are also grateful to local and national media who have shown interest in this important issue. 

It is hoped that the story will have attracted the attention of other councils around the country who might be considering applying extra charges to burials or cremations based on a person’s size. This is unacceptable and councils should find alternative ways to raise revenues.