Wolverhampton City Council has abandoned plans to introduce a 20% surcharge on larger burial plots, following public outcry over what critics called a 'fat tax'. The proposal would have charged grieving families £2,700 for a 6ft wide grave at Danescourt Cemetery in Tettenhall, £450 more than a standard 5ft plot.
The council had consulted 25 funeral directors on the price hike, claiming only one objection was received. However, funeral director Ross Hickton of Hickton Family Funeral Directors in Cradley Heath condemned the plan as 'fat shaming' and a 'cash-grab'. He argued that councils should dig larger graves generally and spread costs evenly, rather than targeting bereaved families.
Residents also criticised the move. Christopher Hawkes, 43, questioned whether obesity was a significant issue in Wolverhampton, while Rosemarie McLaren called it 'discrimination' against larger people. Terry Tennens, CEO of funeral directors SAIF, highlighted concerns about plans for a separate area for bariatric coffins, which could force families to exhume loved ones to reunite them in a shared grave.
In response, a council spokesperson confirmed the proposal would not proceed, stating: 'We have listened to feedback and will not be introducing any additional charges for larger graves at this time.' The council emphasised that standard grave fees remain unchanged.
