Lyon wants to link the price of cemetery plots to family income
Three rates for burial plots are proposed in the new plans
Plots in the city could be priced in three tiers depending on family income
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The city of Lyon could soon become the first to price funeral plots according to family income, if the mayor’s plan to introduce the system by spring 2025 becomes reality.
Currently, a 15-year plot in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes city costs €525, but the plan sets out three price bands for the 1,500 burials that take place each year in the city. The rate paid would depend on household income.
Lower rate: €350
Intermediate rate: €550
Higher rate: €750
“The idea is to introduce the notion of social justice and ensure that death is not an additional element of inequality,” said Laurent Bosetti, deputy director in charge of funeral policy, to FranceInfo. He added that he believes that this project would be the first of its kind in France.
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The city council is set to debate the scheme idea in mid-December and, if adopted, it could come into force by spring next year.
At La Guillotière, one of Lyon's four cemeteries, people expressed mixed opinions about the idea.
“I have my parents-in-law here, I have my brother. We have three graves, so there is a cost. In my opinion, we have to stop at some point and keep the same rate for everyone,” said one woman, to FranceInfo.
In contrast, another person when asked said he felt it was a “very good idea”. “I would not mind contributing for those who can pay less,” he said.
