The Cheshire Cremation Company
1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of direct cremation services by The Cheshire Cremation Company ("we", "us", "our") to individuals arranging funeral services ("you", "the client"). By purchasing or arranging services with us, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms.
2. Description of Service
We offer two types of dignified direct cremation services:
a. Unwitnessed Direct Cremation:
Collection of the deceased from a hospital, hospice, nursing home, or private residence within our designated service area (typically within Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and surrounding areas)
Care and transportation of the deceased to our mortuary facility
Provision of a simple, respectful coffin suitable for cremation
Cremation carried out at a local crematorium selected by us
Return of the ashes (if requested) by hand within four (4) weeks following cremation
This is a direct cremation service with no ceremony or mourners present at the crematorium.
b. Witnessed Direct Cremation:
Includes all the services listed under the unattended direct cremation
In addition, up to 10 family members or friends may attend the crematorium chapel to say goodbye
A private 10-minute allocation in the chapel will be scheduled at either 9:00am or 9:30am on the day of the cremation
No formal service or officiant is included, but this allows a final moment of farewell
Both services are delivered with professionalism, respect, and clarity to ensure families receive the support they need in a straightforward and affordable manner.
3. Eligibility and Limitations
Our service is available to all persons who:
Do not require special handling, equipment, or bariatric transport
Are to be cremated in accordance with applicable UK laws and guidance
We provide a standard coffin with internal dimensions of up to 6'2" (length) x 22" (width) x 13" (depth). If the deceased exceeds any of these dimensions:
A charge of £10 will apply for every additional inch required for any dimension
A charge of £50 will apply for coffin reinforcement where the coffin measurements exceed 6’2” x 22” x 13”.
The maximum allowable width for cremation is 40 inches. Coffins exceeding this width cannot be accommodated in the cremator. If this occurs, we will contact you to discuss alternative arrangements.
We reserve the right to decline service or to impose additional charges if the deceased requires non-standard collection, handling, or coffin provision.
4. Cremation Arrangements
The cremation will be performed at a time and location of our choosing. While we always aim to use crematoria within the local area, we reserve the right to use any suitable licensed crematorium. The specific time and place of the cremation will not be disclosed and is not open to public or family attendance, except where a witnessed cremation is arranged.
5. Handling and Return of Ashes
Ashes will be returned in a simple container unless a specific urn or casket has been arranged.
Delivery will be made in person to the individual who made the funeral arrangements, or another designated party, within four (4) weeks of the cremation.
If ashes are not requested, they will be scattered in the crematorium grounds in accordance with standard practice.
We will make reasonable attempts to contact you regarding ashes collection or delivery. If we are unable to do so within 3 months, we reserve the right to respectfully dispose of the ashes.
6. Payment Terms
Full payment is required at the time of arrangement.
We accept payment by:
Credit or debit card
Bank transfer
No part of the cremation process will commence until full payment has been received. If payment is delayed or declined, service provision will be postponed accordingly. Late payment may result in storage fees or additional administrative charges.
7. Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your arrangement with us by providing written notice. The following terms apply:
Within 14 days of booking and before services commence: A refund will be issued once the deceased has been moved to an alternative funeral provider and our fees will be subtracted from any refund due, we will charge: £250 collection fee, £15 a day storage for every day the deceased person is in our care, £150 coffin fee
After services commence: No refund will be available for any part of the funeral service.
To cancel, please contact us by email or post using the contact details below. Refunds will be processed within 14 business days.
8. Client Responsibilities
You confirm that:
You have the legal right to arrange the funeral for the deceased
You will provide accurate and complete information throughout the process
You will inform us of any infectious diseases or medical devices (e.g., pacemakers)
Failure to disclose essential information may lead to delays or additional charges.
9. Limitation of Liability
We shall perform our services with reasonable skill, care, and professionalism. However, we are not liable for:
Delays caused by third parties (e.g., hospitals, registrars)
Circumstances outside our control (e.g., severe weather, civil unrest)
Losses resulting from incorrect or incomplete information provided by you
Our total liability in connection with any service shall not exceed the amount paid by you.
10. Data Protection
We respect your privacy. All personal data provided to us will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Your data will only be used for the purposes of arranging and delivering the cremation service and will not be shared with third parties unless legally required.
You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data at any time.
11. Complaints
We are committed to providing a professional and dignified service. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact us promptly:
The Cheshire Crematorium Company
Email: info@cheshirecremation.co.uk
We aim to acknowledge all complaints within 3 working days and resolve them within 10 working days.
12. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The version applicable at the time of your arrangement will govern our agreement with you.
13. Indemnity and Client Warranties
13.1 Client Authority & Accuracy
You confirm that you have full legal authority to arrange the cremation and that all details provided to us are accurate and complete. You agree to indemnify us against any liability or cost arising from any dispute over your authority to act on behalf of the deceased or their next of kin.
13.2 Implant and Hazardous Material Disclosure
You must inform us in writing of any known implants (e.g., pacemakers, radioactive implants) or hazardous materials present in the deceased. Failure to disclose such information may result in health and safety risks, equipment damage, or legal repercussions. You agree to indemnify us for any damage, cost, or loss incurred as a result of non-disclosure, and agree that upon failing to inform us about any implants you become liable for any such cost arising from damage caused.
13.3 Personal Effects and Valuables
We do not accept liability for loss or damage to personal effects, valuables, jewellery, clothing, or items left with the deceased. These should be removed by the family prior to collection. Any items which remain with the deceased person will be cremated with them, unless prohibited in which case they will be destroyed.
13.4 Cremation Timing and Availability
While we aim to carry out the cremation promptly, you agree that timeframes (including the 4-week ashes return period) may vary due to operational or external circumstances. We are not liable for delays caused by crematoria scheduling or third-party services.
13.5 Changes in Legal or Regulatory Requirements
We shall not be held responsible for any additional costs, delays, or service alterations that arise due to changes in applicable laws, local authority procedures, or regulatory guidance after the time of arrangement.
13.6 Client Conduct
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate service if abusive, threatening, or unreasonable behaviour is directed toward our staff. No refund shall be due in such circumstances.
13.7 Misuse of Witnessed Direct Cremation
If you have arranged the Witnessed Direct Cremation option (up to 10 people for 10 minutes) and this is misused (e.g., more than 10 attendees, extended stay, disruptive conduct), we reserve the right to charge for additional costs incurred as a result.
By arranging a funeral with The Cheshire Crematorium Company, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.