BURIAL and cremation fees for children are to be abolished in Wales, it has been announced.
The Welsh Government has announced it will make up to £1.5 million available to councils in Wales between now and 2020 to pay for scrapping the charges.
In June of this year, Barry Town Council decided to abolish burial interment fees for children and young people in local authority run cemeteries. Similar agreements are also already in place in Torfaen and Bridgend.
Speaking about the plan, First Minister Carwyn Jones urged all councils to put the agreement into force as soon as possible.
“We must do all we can to support families who have lost a child,” he said.
“I am pleased we are able to work with local authorities to take away just one of the stresses and strains on the shoulders of grieving parents during a hugely distressing time.”
The agreement has been reached with the Welsh Local Government Association and One Voice Wales, which represents community and town councils across Wales.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here