THE cost of living – and dying – is set to go up across the Tandridge district.
A wave of fees and charges are likely to increase from April as the cash-strapped council attempts to balance its books.
Among proposed rises are meals on wheels (2.8 per cent more), sports pitch bookings (up 2.5 per cent), scattering of ashes at the garden of remembrance in Caterham (3.3 per cent increase), annual membership of Caterham's Douglas Brunton Day Centre (3 per cent higher) and council offices lettings (2.5 per cent more).
The suggested new fees are expected to be rubber-stamped at the full council meeting on February 14.
However, a proposed 11.1 per cent hike in bathing charges at the Douglas Brunton centre – albeit only by 30p, to £3 – was rejected by the council's housing committee last Thursday.
Alistair Montgomery, the council's chief finance officer, explained: "If income from charging does not fully offset costs, then the council taxpayer must finance the difference.
"It is important that charges are regularly reviewed and assessed to reflect the council's priorities and are increased annually to take account of inflation, demand and any other factors."
Lib Dem councilor Chris Botten said: "We recognise the council is in a difficult financial position and needs to make a balanced budget.
"But I've said for years that we should not hit the most vulnerable people, so I thoroughly welcome the proposed freeze on bathing charges."