Affordable cremations and funerals launched in Lewisham

With the average cost of a full cremation service via a funeral director now approaching £4,000, many families are finding traditional funeral costs increasingly difficult to manage. In response, Lewisham Council is offering a Simple Cremation Package at a fixed fee of £1,507, providing a respectful, straightforward, and low-cost alternative.

The Simple Cremation Package includes the collection and care of the deceased, completion of statutory medical paperwork, the cremation itself, and the provision of an environmentally friendly coffin suitable for cremation. The package provides all the essential elements for a dignified farewell without the additional costs often associated with traditional services.

While the package does not include the use of the cremation chapel for a formal service, families who wish to hold a memorial event can add use of the chapel from just £147.

Residents planning their own funeral arrangements can also purchase a Cremation Bond for future use by their loved ones after they are gone. This means that an affordable fixed fee cremation can be pre-paid with Lewisham Council's Hither Green Cemetery crematorium service. This secures and pays for a cremation at a later date, fixed at the price of when the bond was purchased. Meaning family members only have to contact the Council with the bond information and the process will be taken care of. 

Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes, Cabinet Member for Refugees, Safer Lewisham and Equalities said: “We know that people are facing real financial challenges due to the cost of living. At such a sensitive time, it’s important that families have access to affordable and respectful options when saying goodbye to a loved one. This is why we created this new package, which helps ensure dignity, simplicity, and peace of mind for families at a difficult time.”

The service is provided by Hither Green Crematorium, managed by Lewisham Council, which continues to ensure all arrangements are handled with professionalism and sensitivity.

To book or find out more about this package email: bereavement@lewisham.gov.uk, call Hither Green Crematorium on 020 8314 9635 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these times please call 020 8691 7943 or visit the simple funerals page.