Cremation vs Burial

Budget

If you are considering a Burial in your Local Authority Cemetery, charges are much lower for the Borough's residents than for non-residents. However, the cemetery may not be located within the Borough and won’t necessarily be the nearest one to where you live, so burial costs may have a substantial impact on the price of a budget funeral. Natural burial grounds are often competitive, but are located further afield.  Woodland burial grounds don’t usually allow gravestones, so the cost of a grave-marker made of wood will be much less than one in stone. Gravestones currently cost upwards of £1,000.

Even if your family owns an existing plot, the cost of just digging the existing grave may be higher than you anticipate and is sometimes more expensive than a cremation.  There will be a charge for adding a name to the headstone and there may be a fee for temporarily removing the stone memorial if this is necessary in order for the burial to take place.

Although burial is more expensive than cremation, the DWP will contribute to, or cover, the cost of a burial for those on benefits and entitled to assistance from the Social Fund.  However, they will only reimburse you for the cost of the very cheapest private grave available in your area.  They won’t help you to pay for a gravestone or marker.

Cremation fees in the London area are around £600 to £750.  If you hold the funeral before 10am, a cheaper rate is available at some crematoria.

Direct Cremation is the least expensive method of committal offered by Levertons. This is a more basic option and not necessarily suitable for everyone.

Lasting memorials for cremated remains

Cemeteries offer small plots or ‘niches’ for the interment of ashes at a lower cost than buying a grave.  If your family own a grave, the cost of burying ashes is much lower than interring a coffin and the deceased can be added to the existing gravestone.  Most crematoria offer a variety of memorials which can be purchased for a number of years, from rosebushes with plaques to stone memorials.


Environmental pros and cons

We at Levertons have examined the environmental impact of relatively local burial, woodland burial and cremation.  Each method has some negative impact, and it is debatable which causes least damage to our environment. Our view is that it is still a matter of personal choice.

Immediate Assistance

In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us for immediate assistance out of our office hours, please do call us. We can arrange collection at any time of day or night:

Arranging a funeral is always going to be an unpleasant burden at a difficult time, but the experience with Leverton's Muswell Hill office was hugely helpful and supportive. I cannot recommend them more highly on every aspect of the process. They listen carefully, make excellent and well-timed suggestions and support the planning process with flexibility and sensitivity. At the funeral service itself they were discreet and thoroughly professional throughout. To the extent that this would ever be a positive experience, I do not believe that any firm could have done a better job, and I would not hesitate to recommend them as an absolutely top class service

Review by James P left on 23 Apr 2025

Google

I recently had the experience of working with Deborah at Leverton & Sons during a profoundly difficult time, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the excellent support and care Deborah and team provided. Deborah demonstrated kindness and thoughtfulness that immediately put us at ease, she approached every aspect with an understanding that felt both personal and compassionate. Deborah and her team were incredibly efficient throughout the entire process, explaining all the options, working on the schedule and flow, handling intricate details whilst allowing us the space to grieve. I wholeheartedly recommend Deborah at Leverton & Sons to anyone seeking compassionate and skilled assistance and kindness. Thank you Deborah.

Review by M.E left on 22 Apr 2025

Google

Very considerate, thorough and personal. They took such care, that we felt like we were there only client and yet they are a busy and popular funeral directors. Every detail was sensitively handled and made easy. Whole heartedly reccomend Leverton & Sons. Lorna what a kind, patient and knowledgeable super star.

Review by P P left on 15 Apr 2025

Google

I was extremely pleased with the advice, help and services received from Leverton & Sons at Kentish Town Road. Lorna Walkden, Funeral Director was very kind and made everything very clear and straightforward. The staff on the day of the funeral were very respectful and everything went according to plan. I would thoroughly recommend Leverton's.

Review by Linda R left on 08 Apr 2025

TRUSTist

Absolutely wonderful experience with a difficult and sensitive matter. Very professional and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

Review by Nic N left on 07 Apr 2025

Google

Deborah and the team at Leverton Muswell Hill were perfect at helping us through the difficult time of arranging our mother’s funeral. Kind, professional, thoughtful, empathetic and efficient – everything we needed. I can’t recommend them too highly.

Review by A. B left on 03 Apr 2025

Google

Deborah and the team at Leverton Muswell Hill were perfect at helping us through the difficult time of arranging our mother’s funeral. Kind, professional, thoughtful, empathetic and efficient – everything we needed. I can’t recommend them too highly.

Review by Family o left on 03 Apr 2025

TRUSTist

As with my father's funeral in 2018, the arrangements were absolutely perfect. A huge thank you to Drew and company.

Review by Neil M left on 31 Mar 2025

Google

Efficient and sensitive service, over and above that which I was expecting.

Review by JANE O left on 20 Mar 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Mark Y left on 20 Mar 2025

Google

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