Cremation vs Burial

Budget

If you are considering a Burial in your Local Authority Cemetery, charges are much lower for the Borough's residents than for non-residents. However, the cemetery may not be located within the Borough and won’t necessarily be the nearest one to where you live, so burial costs may have a substantial impact on the price of a budget funeral. Natural burial grounds are often competitive, but are located further afield.  Woodland burial grounds don’t usually allow gravestones, so the cost of a grave-marker made of wood will be much less than one in stone. Gravestones currently cost upwards of £1,000.

Even if your family owns an existing plot, the cost of just digging the existing grave may be higher than you anticipate and is sometimes more expensive than a cremation.  There will be a charge for adding a name to the headstone and there may be a fee for temporarily removing the stone memorial if this is necessary in order for the burial to take place.

Although burial is more expensive than cremation, the DWP will contribute to, or cover, the cost of a burial for those on benefits and entitled to assistance from the Social Fund.  However, they will only reimburse you for the cost of the very cheapest private grave available in your area.  They won’t help you to pay for a gravestone or marker.

Cremation fees in the London area are around £600 to £750.  If you hold the funeral before 10am, a cheaper rate is available at some crematoria.

Direct Cremation is the least expensive method of committal offered by Levertons. This is a more basic option and not necessarily suitable for everyone.

Lasting memorials for cremated remains

Cemeteries offer small plots or ‘niches’ for the interment of ashes at a lower cost than buying a grave.  If your family own a grave, the cost of burying ashes is much lower than interring a coffin and the deceased can be added to the existing gravestone.  Most crematoria offer a variety of memorials which can be purchased for a number of years, from rosebushes with plaques to stone memorials.


Environmental pros and cons

We at Levertons have examined the environmental impact of relatively local burial, woodland burial and cremation.  Each method has some negative impact, and it is debatable which causes least damage to our environment. Our view is that it is still a matter of personal choice.

Immediate Assistance

In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us for immediate assistance out of our office hours, please do call us. We can arrange collection at any time of day or night:

Impeccable service. Very thoughtful, helpful and worry free especially during this difficult time.

Review by Ann E left on 12 May 2025

TRUSTist

I was extremely happy with the funeral I arranged with Levertons. Drew was extremely helpful and efficient throughout the organisation and I would definitely use Levertons again.

Review by Julia C left on 12 May 2025

Google

Over a period of years, this is the third funeral that Levetons have arranged for my family. The standard of service and attention to detail have been outstanding throughout. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Review by steve w left on 11 May 2025

Google

Very helpful, easy process at a difficult time. On the day everything went smoothly and the team from Levertons were great. Thank you

Review by natasha n left on 09 May 2025

Google

Staff in Leverton are highly experienced, very accommodating, sensitive to family needs and always do their best to meet the requirements

Review by Tt C left on 08 May 2025

Google

Excellent service from start to finish of a period of almost unbearable pain

Review by Martin E left on 08 May 2025

Google

Thank you for your excellent service. Your sensitivity and care enabled my husband's funeral to be a true celebration of his life.

Review by Bernadette M left on 08 May 2025

TRUSTist

Exceptional care & compassion always & so helpful with lots of advice

Review by Margaret l left on 08 May 2025

TRUSTist

From our very first meeting to the conclusion of my mother's funeral, the service we received from Levertons (and Drew in particular) was excellent. They were on top of everything, quick to respond, produced an excellent looking Order of Service, handled everything perfectly on the day of the funeral itself, and generally made us feel like we were in very safe hands during an emotional and difficult time.

Review by Toby M left on 07 May 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Pippa R left on 02 May 2025

TRUSTist

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