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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Anthony Lewis

Funeral costs for military personnel in Rhondda Cynon Taf set to be slashed

Funeral costs for military personnel in Rhondda Cynon Taf are set to be slashed.

Families of veterans and service personnel who have died will get a 25% reduction in fees for burials, cremations and interments.

It comes after a successful pilot last year - with council bosses deciding to roll it out across the county.

It could see affected families saving as much as £400.

The move comes following a successful pilot scheme last year.

Council bosses said the policy had been welcomed by families as well as funeral directors.

Officials will ask for evidence of service such as service discharge papers, armed forces pension entitlement as well as service numbers when families are applying.

During last year's trial, 58 families took part - with the scheme costing just under £12,000 in all.

A council report said the loss incurred was "minor" compared to its commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

The policy was first suggested by a notice of motion to council in November 2016 and cabinet agreed to roll out the pilot in February 2018 starting from April that year.

When it announced the pilot, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council called for an "all-Wales approach" to the issue.

Earlier this year, the council also launched a free advice service to help and support Veterans in the area.

The council's deputy leader Maureen Webber said: "It is important that we never forget the courage and bravery of all our Armed Forces personnel, past and present, at home and overseas."

This means 25% will be knocked off for military families for the £800 for the purchase of a new grave, the £800 for a burial in a new grave and the £800 for burial in re-opened grave as well as the £250 for memorial permits.
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