What quantity of remains will there be following a cremation?The cremation of an adult will normally result in the presentation of cremated remains weighing between 2 and 4 kg. In the case of a body of an infant it may not be possible to guarantee that any remains will be collectable. This is due to the cartilaginous nature of the bone structure.
What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated remains are kept separate?A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and all remains removed before the unit can be used again. An identity card accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal. The code of ethics and practical necessity are complementary and combine to ensure that the separation of cremated remains is achieved.
What memorial facilities are available at crematoria?All crematoria have some form of memorial facility. The most usual form of permanent memorial is the Book of Remembrance. The book is usually displayed in a special memorial chapel and entries are available for viewing either automatically on the anniversary of the date of death or on request. Some crematoria provide wall or kerb mounted plaques in stone or metal although these are normally purchased for a limited period only. Roses, trees and shrubs may be dedicated at some crematoria for periods which may be extended by agreement. Donations are often accepted for the provision of items to be used at the crematorium or for the embellishment of the building or grounds. Your Funeral Director should be aware of the memorial options available but direct enquiries to the Crematorium Registrar will ensure that full details are provided together with a scale of charges.
What is a Garden of Remembrance and what facilities may be provided there?The Gardens of Remembrance consist of special areas, often adjacent to the crematorium, set aside for the disposal of cremated remains. They are used continually for this purpose and as a result it may not be possible or appropriate to mark or identify the exact location of individual cremated remains. The Gardens are normally arranged to provide a focal point for visitors and may include a variety of memorial facilities.
What happens to the cremated remains after the cremation?At the conclusion of a cremation the cremated remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of the coffin or metal used in medical implants are extracted and retained for separate disposal. Non-ferrous metals which may include an unrecognisable element of precious material will not be salvaged for any purpose and will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Cremation Practice. Please do not expect any jewellery left on the body to be returned to you. The remains are enclosed in a suitable carefully identified container to await dispersal or collection.
What happens to the coffin after the committal?The coffin is withdrawn into the committal room where the nameplate is carefully checked by crematorium staff to ensure the correct identity. An identity card will then accompany the coffin and the resultant remains until their final disposal or removal from the crematorium.
What exemptions can be claimed on council tax when there is a bereavement?Where Council Tax liability is due solely by the estate of a deceased person and grant of confirmation to the estate has been made, there is a 6 months maximum exemption. Where Council Tax liability is due solely by the estate of a deceased person and grant of confirmation of the estate has not been made, there is an unlimited exemption.
What are the normal options for disposal of cremated remains?All crematoria provide a Garden of Remembrance where cremated remains can be dispersed. Some crematoria provide niches where containers may be placed for limited periods. Cremated remains can be removed from the crematorium in a suitable container for disposal elsewhere. This may include interment in a grave in a cemetery or churchyard, dispersal at another crematorium, or dispersal privately in a particular area selected by the family. Suitable permission should be obtained from the appropriate Authority in these cases.
Must a burial be associated with a religious ceremony?No. The deceased family can make any service arrangements they consider to be appropriate. If desired, no ceremony needs to take place at all. Memorial services can be conducted separately from the burial ceremony in local places of worship by arrangement with the Clergy concerned.
Is the cremation of a body governed by a code of ethics and working practices?Cremation Authorities who are members of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities are required to operate strictly in accordance with a Code of Cremation Practice. This Code, which provides the only ethical standard of cremation practice in Great Britain, is often displayed in the public areas of the building.
Is the coffin cremated with the body?Yes, the coffin is cremated along with the body, as the Cremation Code requires that the coffin be placed in the cremator in exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the crematorium.
Is cremation more expensive than burial?Generally the cost of burial is much higher than the fee charged for cremation. In addition to the charges for interment, buying a lair, memorials and grave maintenance may be incurred.
Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?The reception of the coffin in the committal room and its introduction into a cremator can be witnessed by arrangement with the Crematorium Registrar. It is preferable to advise the Funeral Director of these requirements as early as possible when making the funeral arrangements.
Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at one time?The Cremation Code insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions can be made for instance in the case of a mother and baby or twin children providing that the next of kin has made a specific request in this regard.
Can items of jewellery be left on the body for cremation?It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. It will not be possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the crematorium.
Can cremated remains be retained by the family pending final decision?The Applicant for cremation may collect and retain the cremated remains if required. Cremated remains can be retained at the crematorium for a limited period although a charge may be made for this facility.
Are there any religious groups which forbid cremation to their members?All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation. Cremation is also acceptable to Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees, and Buddhists but it is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Moslems.