FAMILIES in the Wee County will receive help in the “most tragic circumstances” they can experience, after councillors voted to withdraw children’s burial charges last week.

The unanimous decision was made by the Place Committee last Thursday, September 13, and means that no charge will be levied for funerals of young people under the age of 17.

The council had already waived internment fees if a child was buried in a full-sized lair, saving families £827.

A dedicated memorial garden for babies also exists at Sunnyside Cemetery where burials in small individual graves were and will remain free, although no headstones can be erected there.

Last week, councillors agreed to, “with immediate effect”, waive all the associated charges, including the purchase of a full sized grave at £854.10, the maintenance fee of £255.80 and £344.70 for a headstone permit and foundation.

The move is backed by financial support from the Scottish Government, civil servants expecting around £3,100 a year from a £310,000 national pot.

Based on the £1454.60 the council used to charge for children’s funerals in full-sized lairs, the government support would cover two funerals - this was confirmed by civil servants in the chamber at Kilncraigs.

An important consideration, however, was that a lair can accommodate up to three burials and so, the council will still charge the internment and the maintenance fee for subsequent adults’ funerals at the same grave in the future.

Last year, six infants under the age of one were buried at the designated area in Sunnyside Cemetery.

There were no requests to bury a child in a full-sized grave in 2017 and council officers highlighted it is difficult to predict how the changes will affect future requests.

The document tabled on the day added: “In particular, in relation to infant burials it could be that families will prefer their child to be buried outwith the designated baby area in order that a further two family members may be buried in the same lair at some time in the future.”

The removal of charges received support from all corners of the chamber.

Council executive director Gary Dallas, who presented the paper to elected members, said a child’s death is the “most tragic circumstances” a family can experience.

Committee chair SNP Councillor Craig Holden was “happy” to propose the document and confirmed the lair fee would not be charged for subsequent funerals following a child’s burial in a full-sized grave.

Labour group leader Cllr Dave Clark showed his support by seconding the paper and spoke of his personal experiences, saying a child’s death is “very distressing” for a family.

Conservative leader Cllr Bill Mason also gave his party’s support and backed the move.