Bereavement Strategy to be discussed by Councillors
The Falkirk area will run out of new burial lairs in 13 years time unless action is taken according to the Council’s first ever Bereavement Strategy.
The detailed 10-year plan presents a range of options to expand capacity as well as deliver a sustainable burial and cremation service, that is accessible to all.
The strategy will be considered by elected members at an Executive meeting on Thursday 6 November.
Officers have highlighted current cost pressures, projected demand, and options to secure future burial space, use land efficiently and support low-income residents with dignified options.
The Strategy highlights the challenges facing burial provision locally, including limited remaining capacity across many sites and increasing costs linked to maintenance, regulation, and infrastructure. Of the 29 cemeteries owned by the Council, only nine remain operational with 20 now at full capacity. Around 860 burials and 1,600 cremations are carried out each year in the Falkirk Council area.
To ensure there is space for future generations, the strategy identifies opportunities to extend or adapt existing cemeteries and to create new sites where needed. Planned works include a significant expansion at Camelon, and feasibility studies for future cemetery provision at Bantaskine and Denny. These developments would take account of strict environmental and planning requirements and be designed with sustainability in mind.
The Strategy also promotes a “greener” approach to cemetery management, with measures such as replacing hardstanding with grass and introducing selective rewilding in older cemeteries. These steps will support biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions as part of the Council’s wider work on climate change.
Councillors will also consider proposals for a new pricing structure to help contribute towards this investment, manage rising costs and reduce the Council budget gap. This approach was endorsed during a public consultation in which nearly two-thirds of respondents supported increases in fees to maintain and improve local provision.
Following this feedback, the recommended option would see a 12.5% increase in 2026/27.
This approach would help fund essential maintenance, new cemetery development, and environmental improvements, while keeping costs below the highest rates charged elsewhere in Scotland.
The Strategy also makes a commitment to continue to offer lower cost funeral options, such as direct cremation and that separate burial space for different faith groups will be maintained.
Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services, said:
This carefully considered strategy brings together long-term planning for a sensitive but essential service.
“It sets out how we can manage existing sites, plan for future need, and continue to provide respectful, sustainable burial and cremation options for local people.
“It is now for the Executive to consider the proposals and decide what is the most appropriate future approach for Bereavement Services in the Falkirk Council area.
If approved, progress on delivery of the Strategy would be reported back to Councillors in 2028.