NRIs slam rise in UK cremation charge

The extra charge will also help offset the council8217;s plan to replace the four cremators installed in 2000 and to increase chapel seating capacity.

Parmjit Singh Gill,a city councillor,said: 8220;There hasn8217;t been enough consultation on this price rise. I do think that some faith groups will be particularly affected by these rises.8221;

Mukesh Naker,from Leicester-based pressure group British Hindu Voice,said: 8220;Cremation rites are an important and integral part of Hindu,Sikh and Jain custom so such a proposal would have a massive impact on these communities8221;.

He told the local media: 8220;Despite several pledges by city councillors and officers to consult Leicester8217;s vast Hindu,Sikh and Jain communities,it now appears that a decision to push through the proposals without a formal consultation has been made8221;.

Naker said the Hindus,Jains and Sikhs had consistently made a positive contribution to Leicester8217;s economic and social well-being,but now felt 8216;extremely let8217; down by the council.

8220;While we welcome improvement works to the crematorium,we feel we should not be ignored on this issue,8221; he said.

A city council spokesman said: 8220;No decision has been made on the cremation charges. They are due to be considered by cabinet in August.8221;