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:

Fantastic everything we wanted was done nothing put them out there way they did everything we asked for my mam was well looked after amazing people and very helpful

Review by Stacey K left on 28 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Lorna was great and very professional, we had a lovely service. She listened to what we wanted and carried it out accordingly. Thanks to all the team

Review by Ann S left on 28 Nov 2023

Google

The relatively sudden death of my best friend who was 48 years old was one of the hardest things to bear. Levingtons made arranging his funeral so easy, the staff felt like friend who listened and understood with no pressures I’d like to thank pippa and Michael for bringing comfort at such an awlful time. Keep up the good work and never change

Review by Peter C left on 25 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

I was very impressed from first to last with the way in which Kathryn at Leverton handled the arrangements. Very sensitive and professional indeed.

Review by Paul G left on 24 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Levertons dealt with the funeral of our dear aunt with respect and tenderness. Kathryn at the Hampstead branch was very helpful and personable and explained the process and was considerate of our wishes. She communicated regularly and was there on the day to assist and reassure.

Review by Anne S left on 10 Nov 2023

Google

With respect and tenderness. Kathryn at the Hampstead branch was very helpful and personable and explained the process and was considerate of our wishes. She communicated regularly and was there on the day to assist and reassure.

Review by Anne S left on 10 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

I had a very positive experience with Leverton in Belsize Park. Kathryn made the whole experience of organising my husband’s funeral very easy, and in assisting me to obtain the desired ceremony. The result was faultlessly beautiful.

Review by Alice F left on 07 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

Dear Kathryn, Thank you for your invaluable care and support during the dark days following Richard’s passing. You were a great comfort to us as a family and your ability to coordinate all the various aspects involved was nothing short of a miracle. The funeral, although traumatic, went smoothly. We received nothing but wonderful comments from all involved. We send you very best wishes.

Review by Julie R left on 06 Nov 2023

TRUSTist

The service that Levertons (Golders Green) provided, cannot be faulted. From beginning to end and through every aspect of the arrangements, they were: professional, supportive, kind and extremely patient. I would recommend this company very highly

Review by Catherine D left on 23 Oct 2023

Google

Kathryn was brilliant - she was thorough, efficient, friendly - everything from preparation to the actual day went very well. It was so nice that this old, established firm, continued to serve their customers with a personal touch. Can't recommend more. Thank you Kathryn!

Review by Kumiko M left on 18 Oct 2023

TRUSTist

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