The cost of dying is set to increase, while parking charges are also due to rise as part of cost-cutting plans by Dudley Council.

The council must save £25 million over the next three years – and will aim to save a huge £18m during the next financial year.

A number of cost-cutting measures have been proposed which includes a review of bereavement services. The council is aiming to save almost half a million pounds in this area and council leader Pete Lowe admitted it could result in burial fees and other costs going up.

Parking charges are also set to rise across council-run car parks in the borough. The authority is looking to make an extra £260,000 from its car parks by 2018/19. The council will review the costs over the coming months. Finance boss Councillor David Sparks said:

"It doesn't necessarily mean across-the-board rises at car parks as some charges may rise in certain areas but not others".

A major review of leisure centres and staff is also planned. Bosses said they continue to be forced to make difficult decisions in order to make the necessary savings.

They insist the council’s financial position is a result of massive funding cuts from the Government over the last six years.