A man was fined £432 after his father’s memorial service ran three minutes over at Taunton Crematorium.
Rob wanted a calm service. The funeral was for thirty minutes with five minutes for entering and exiting. He says they rushed people and he learned about a fine while inside.
Rob thinks the fines are wrong. His dad’s service was the last that day. He expected 50 to 60 people. The crematorium suggested this time, but Rob wanted two slots but could not book them.
Staff said there was no need to worry. They said we’d get ten extra minutes. He arrived 20 minutes early. The service went thirteen minutes over and saying goodbye was hard.
Rob thought he had extra time, but he then learned there was no extra time. He learned about the fine later, which was £432. It went to Co-op Funeralcare who passed it to Rob and then Co-op paid the fine.
Rob felt the service was rushed and he blames the crematorium’s system. He suggests other places work better, mentioning Sedgemoor as a better spot. He is upset by the lack of respect because Staff left before their 5 PM end time.
He says there are no second chances, and he only remembers the rush. He wants booking changes, because longer slots could help grieving families and he wants kinder staff too.
He notes varying fine calculations locally and says this is not just a job. Somerset Council may revise Taunton’s fees, with a meeting set for March 5. Changes could start April 1.
A council spokesperson responded. They want services sensitive and smooth, but they noted that schedules must be strict because streaming also requires this control. Extending services is an option they say.
New management is reviewing charges, which will reflect in pricing from March. Contact the crematorium for cost concerns. A funeral officiant commented anonymously.
They said rules prevent everyone running late, and they keep their services on time. This is fair to the next family. It’s sensitive but needed and they thought time limits should be clear. However, they called the fine an unbelievable amount.