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:

Levertons took care of my dad’s funeral arrangements recently. They literally took care of everything & everyone. Special mention must go to Julie Avery who was the funeral director who looked after us. Nothing was too much trouble for Julie. She went above & beyond to help us sort the perfect funeral for my wonderful dad & in a relatively short space of time. Thank you does not go far enough to show how much we appreciate everything that was done to make a sad time run as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Levertons to anyone.

Review by Geraldine K left on 18 Jun 2025

Google

So incredibly efficient, they took all the stress out of a very difficult and sad situation. Michael Cooney was absolutely brilliant as were the rest of the team. The price was very competitive and I can’t thank Leverton’s enough!!! Not once was I under any pressure thanks to them. Can’t thank you enough Michael, and your entire team

Review by nadine o left on 18 Jun 2025

Google

Very professional and curtious, friendly and efficient

Review by Michael A left on 18 Jun 2025

Google

I can highly recommend Leverton. They are both very professional, sympathetic and supportive. They handled my darling Mum's funeral with dignity, grace and most importantly kindness and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you very much.

Review by Corinne E left on 17 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

Leverton & Sons funeral directors were extremely supportive, friendly, and totally professional. They went above and beyond in all respects, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

Review by Nicky B left on 16 Jun 2025

Google

Very, very compassionate and helpful efficient service

Review by chrismeg left on 11 Jun 2025

Google

After my husband's death and dreading the proceedings ahead,my son and I arrived at Levertons in Camden in an inner state of shock and grief.There we met James and his calm,reassuring professionalism.Everything was organised,with us informed,step by step to the day of the funeral,which in the end,became a beautifully orchestrated event.Our most grateful thanks to Levertons.

Review by Helen A left on 10 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Yoko F left on 05 Jun 2025

Google

Thank you for organising Ron’s funeral. From looking after us as a family, to organising flowers, the Order of service, the chapel…Thank you…please can you also extend our thanks to the drivers who took great care of us all on the day.

Review by Annette C left on 05 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

Throughout the process for my Uncles funeral, Lorna and the team were amazing. Having never organised a funeral, let alone for someone who didn't have a will or specific wishes, Lorna walked me through the process excellently, and the team on the day were extremely professional too.

Review by Chris L left on 05 Jun 2025

TRUSTist

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