Direct cremations lead to cut in crematorium income

Lincoln Crematorium has seen a drop in income as bereaved families use cheaper options.

The site on Washingborough Road saw a fall of £312,000 in its annual income last year.

City of Lincoln Council officers said the fall was due to a rise in direct cremations, which take place in facilities elsewhere in the country.

The crematorium introduced its own direct cremations service in November 2025.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council is looking at how to better market its services to compete with "intense advertising campaigns".

"With the financial challenges facing many families, this cheaper approach with no funeral service is increasingly an option, driven by intense TV and social media advertising campaigns," the officers' report said.

"Work is therefore being considered on how to advertise these new services directly to the public, as currently all council services are communicated solely through funeral directors, who also offer competing funeral options."

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