THE COST of dying in Lancaster and Morecambe is rising as the city council puts up burial charges by 10 per cent.

Cemetery fees locally are already among the highest in the county. But Lancaster City Council's Cabinet this week opted to push them up even more to generate extra income.

Grieving families will soon be asked to fork out almost £300 for the right to bury someone rather than the current £272.

Interment fees will rise from £121 to £133 for children and young people, and from £410 to £451 for those over 16.

The charges are reviewed and set annually as part of the budget process.

Fees for environmental health services will also rise by 10 per cent, though Cabinet chose not to charge residents for calling out 'hit squads' to tackle bed bugs and cockroaches for fear of people resorting to DIY treatments.

Businesses, however, face a £60.60 disinfectant charge instead of the current £55, while the cost of rooting out rodents will rise from £15 to £16.50.

o Council tax bills across Lancaster and Morecambe look set to rise by nine per cent - a far cry from earlier predictions of more than 20 per cent. Lancaster City Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss how its draft 2004-/05 budget is taking shape before full council considers it on February 11. Under current proposals local residents in Band D properties can expect to pay an extra £14 a month in council tax.