Liverpool City Council - FAQ

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 Cremation FAQ

Is cremation more expensive than burial?

No.  The cost of cremation is considerably cheaper than burial.  Memorialisation costs are also significantly less.



What religious ceremony can I have with cremation?

A full religious service may be conducted at the crematorium.  Alternatively; a service may take place in a place of worship followed by a brief 'committal' ceremony at the crematorium.  Families can arrange for their own minister to conduct the service.  When required; funeral directors may secure the services of a suitable minister on behalf of the family.



Must there be a religious ceremony with cremation?

No.  A civil ceremony can be conducted or there may be none at all.  A memorial service can also be held at the crematorium separate from the cremation ceremony; by arrangement with the minister concerned or directly with the Cemeteries & Crematoria Service



How is a cremation arranged?

A number of arrangements need to be made following a death.  It is wise to approach a funeral director immediately a death occurs and advise them that you wish to arrange a cremation.  Discuss with them how soon (if possible) you wish the cremation to take place; the type of service you desire and whom you wish to officiate at the service.  

The funeral director will then make all necessary arrangements; including family requirements and assist in completing necessary forms to be signed by the applicant to the cremation.  The death will have to be registered and your funeral director will advise how to do this.



Do I have to sign anything at this stage?

You should be asked how you wish to dispose of the cremated remains.  If you know what you want at this stage you will be asked; as the applicant to the cremation; to sign an authority for the crematorium to carry out your wishes.   
What happens at the crematorium on the day of the funeral?

The mourners will normally gather at the crematorium a few minutes before the appointed time of the funeral service.  When the principal mourners are ready to proceed; the coffin will be conveyed into the chapel by the funeral director; unless family bearers are used by request.  The coffin is placed on the catafalque and the mourners will be directed to their seats.  At the end of the service the mourners leave the chapel.  They may then view the floral tributes before leaving the crematorium.



Does the cremation take place immediate or are the coffins stored up until a number are ready to be cremated?

The nameplate on the coffin is first checked with the cremation order to ensure correct identity and other details.  Where possible; the cremation will follow immediately after the service.  If this is not possible the coffin is stored for a short time until a cremator is available.  All cremations must, by law, take place on the same day as the cremation service.



Is the coffin cremated with the body?

Yes - under no circumstances is the coffin opened once received at the crematorium.  The coffin is placed in the cremator just as it is received at the crematorium.  

Cremation regulations require that the coffin and all its fittings and furnishings be made from materials suitable for cremation.  The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires cremation authorities to ensure that the process is completed under controlled conditions.  This minimises the impact on the environment. 



Should jewellery be removed from the coffin before arrival at the crematorium?

Yes - all items of jewellery must be removed before the coffin leaves for the crematorium.  The funeral director should be advised of your wishes when funeral arrangements are being discussed.  It is not possible to recover jewellery after the coffin has been received by the crematorium.



Is more than one coffin cremated at a time in a cremator?

Absolutely not.  Only one coffin can be cremated at a time, which is vital to ensure remains are kept separate.  

Each cremator is carefully cleaned before reuse.  The only exception can be where, for example, a mother and small child wish to be cremated together.  In this instance a single coffin is used.



How do I know I will get the right cremated remains?

Each coffin is identified and the nameplate thoroughly checked on arrival.  An identity card follows the coffin until the coffin is placed into the cremator.  The card is then placed on the outside of the cremator and is not removed until the cremated remains are removed from the cremator into a cooling tray; where the card is again placed with the remains.

Once the remains have been cooled they are placed into a machine called a cremulator.  This reduces the remains to a fine ash.  Again the card is placed on the machine.  Once the remains are ready they are transferred to a plastic bag which contains a further identity card.  The bag is then heat sealed and placed into a suitable container with the original card attached.  At no time during the cremation process does the identity card leave the remains.

As each cremator will only accept one coffin at a time and the remains have to be moved to a separate cooling area within the cremator before another coffin is accepted; cremated remains do not become 'mixed' at any stage during the cremation process.  Utmost care is taken by all staff to ensure this process is carried out.  Liverpool's crematoria cremate strictly in accordance with the National Code of Cremation Practice.



What do the prepared remains consist of?

The remains are totally bone ash and usually weigh between four and eight pounds.  They are in a state which will permit them to be strewn.  In the case of an infant, it is not possible to guarantee any tangible remains due to the cartilaginous nature of the body.

What training do staff have to undergo?

Staff who operate the cremators undergo a specific training programme in the use of cremators.  Normally this will take in the region of 6 months to complete.  The training covers all aspects of the use and maintenance of the cremators.  Only after successfully completing this stage are staff allowed to cremate unsupervised.

If I want to know more about cremation and perhaps inspect the crematorium how should I go about it?

Write to Allerton Cemetery Lodge, 192 Woolton Road, Liverpool, L19 5NF.  Staff will be pleased to answer your queries or arrange an appointment.  Local organisations and schools can also arrange to visit.  We will also show around private individuals wherever possible.