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Events / Political / Wolverhampton Council Reverses 'Fat Tax'
Domestic policy reversal

Wolverhampton Council Reverses 'Fat Tax'

Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Aug 14, 2025 · Last updated Aug 15, 2025

Sentiment
-20
Attention
2
Articles
6
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard
Market Impact

The reversal of the 'fat tax' by United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council is a minor positive for local funeral service providers like Hickton Family Funeral Directors, as it removes a controversial charge that could have deterred families. However, the initial proposal and subsequent backlash highlight the financial struggles of local councils, which could lead to similar cost-saving measures in other areas, potentially impacting local businesses and residents.

Funeral Services Local Government
Event Summary

United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council proposed a controversial 'fat tax' at Danescourt cemetery, charging an extra 20% for 6ft-wide burial plots compared to standard 5ft graves. This measure was in response to rising obesity levels in Wolverhampton and aimed to cover increased costs for larger plots. The proposal faced significant backlash from residents, funeral directors like Ross Hickton of Hickton Family Funeral Directors, and organizations such as the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, who labeled it discriminatory and unfair. Despite some councils like United Kingdom — Birmingham and United Kingdom — Walsall having similar charges, public pressure led United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council to reverse its plans, stating no formal decision was ever taken and they would not proceed with the charges.

Entities Involved
govactor
United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council
United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council initially proposed and then reversed a controversial 'fat tax' on wider burial plots, facing significant public backlash.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment -50.0
per
Ross Hickton
Ross Hickton, a funeral director, was a vocal critic of the 'fat tax', labeling it unfair and discriminatory, and highlighting the distress it would cause bereaved families.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 20.0
priv
Hickton Family Funeral Directors
Hickton Family Funeral Directors, represented by Ross Hickton, publicly opposed United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council's proposed 'fat tax', advocating for bereaved families.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 10.0
oth
Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, through its chief executive Matthew Crawley, stated that the charge for wider graves seemed reasonable due to space and equipment costs.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
oth
National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors surveyed its members, finding that a quarter of local authorities charged extra for wider burial plots, and its CEO Terry Tennens condemned the 'fat tax' as discriminatory.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
per
Rosemarie McLaren
Rosemarie McLaren, a Wolverhampton resident, publicly criticized the proposed 'fat tax', calling it 'discrimination' and 'not acceptable'.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 0.0
per
Selena Harris
Selena Harris, a Wolverhampton resident, expressed concern about the affordability of the 'fat tax' for families, suggesting it was a council attempt to recoup costs.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 0.0
loc
United Kingdom — Walsall
United Kingdom — Walsall was mentioned as one of the local councils that already charge higher fees for larger graves, providing a precedent for United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council's initial proposal.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 0.0
loc
United Kingdom — Coventry
United Kingdom — Coventry was mentioned as one of the local councils that already charge higher fees for larger graves, providing a precedent for United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council's initial proposal.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 0.0
loc
United Kingdom — Birmingham
United Kingdom — Birmingham was mentioned as one of the local councils that already charge higher fees for larger graves, providing a precedent for United Kingdom — City of Wolverhampton Council's initial proposal.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 0.0
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