Mid And East Antrim Borough Council To Waive Burial Fees For Children

Another council in Northern Ireland is to waive burial fees for children.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council waived the fees after a motion was brought by UUP Councillor, Stephen Nicholl.

A similar scheme is already in effect in England and Wales. Under the initiative, parents will no longer have to meet the costs of burials and cremations, with these fees being met by government funding.

Cllr Nicholl said: "This Council recognises the introduction of Government funding in England and Wales to cover the funeral costs of children. In the absence of a functioning government in Northern Ireland such action cannot be introduced regionally. We can resolve this until the introduction of a regional initiative."

The motion was supported unanimously and it was agreed that Council will waive all costs normally associated with the provision of a grave for children under 18 years of age.

(CD/LM)