Families in one of England’s most deprived areas are being asked to pay as much as £12,000 to dedicate a memorial bench to a loved one, the highest charge in the country.
Torbay Council has been criticised for introducing the steep new fees without public consultation or a council vote. Under the scheme, families can sponsor a bench for either five or 25 years, with the most expensive prices reserved for premium locations such as Torquay seafront.
A 25-year dedication in one of these areas costs £12,000, while the same period in a less prominent location is priced at £8,000. For five years, the cost is £2,400 in premium spots or £1,600 elsewhere.
The charges far exceed those set by neighbouring councils and even London’s Royal Parks, where the most expensive memorial benches cost £10,000. Westminster Council, for example, charges £1,625 for 10 years, while Teignbridge and South Hams councils charge around £1,700.
Residents say the policy unfairly penalises grieving families. Kevin Shenton, who is fundraising for a bench in memory of a family friend, accused the council of creating a two-tier system.
He said, ”They told me it’s not-for-profit, but if you want a bench in the most prestigious address, you have to pay more. How can it be that a bench costs so much less in Westminster? Nobody has been able to explain why it’s £12,000.”
Local politicians have also expressed anger at the lack of transparency. Darren Cowell, leader of the council’s independent group, said: “These prices are a fundamental shift. Even if they were £5,000, people would think it was steep.
The majority of residents simply cannot afford this, especially in an area with some of the highest poverty levels in the country.”
Torbay is the most deprived local authority in the South West and among the 15 most deprived in England.
The council has defended the policy, saying its benches are high-quality and not standard timber garden seats. The price includes maintenance, insurance against vandalism, and replacement if a bench is damaged beyond repair.
Families can also choose to buy plaques for shared benches, costing £550 for a standard location or £850 for a premium spot.
However, critics argue the charges are bizarre and out of touch with local reality. One councillor said even wealthy residents would struggle to justify paying £12,000 for a bench.
Torbay Council is yet to comment.
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