SIR,

Cemetery funding is an issue that is being addressed by county councils across the UK.

About 75% of people choose cremation as opposed to burial, and so it is fair to burden the majority of Council Taxpayers with a large rates bill to pay for those who wish to choose burial? There is after all no statutory requirement for MCC to provide burial space.

These days, the aim of most councils is to ensure that all of their cemeteries' operational costs should be met by the customer direct.

To do this, councils need to adjust their current charging policies, so that the council can continue to provide the service, but at a much lower cost to the Council Taxpayer. A significant increase in charges is necessary to ensure that Cemetery Services become 'revenue neutral'.

This will minimise costs for the taxpayer, and transfer the bulk of the costs direct to the customer. This is, of course, both morally and financially more equitable, and will also help to play a significant part in meeting the Council's overall budgetary challenges.

Newport and Cardiff City Councils have taken the decision to raise prices so that their services are provided at no cost to the Council Taxpayer - Monmouthshire County Council should feel able follow their example.

The natural burial ground at Usk Castle Chase on the other hand is not heavily subsidised by the taxpayer, and the cost of a simple natural burial at Usk can be significantly less expensive than a traditional funeral and headstone. What is more, you will be making a positive choice which is good for the environment.

Before making your mind up one way or another, why not open your mind and visit the natural burial ground at Usk? You might be pleasantly surprised with what you find there.

James Leedam