Fees increase as cuts bite

The Economist examines how central government departments and local councils have raised the amount they charge for services in the face of continuing cuts.

Recent innovations include increased fees for social-care users over the four years from 2009-10.

Income from cemetery, cremation and mortuary services went up by 11.4% in the same period, according to the IFS.

The paper also notes that fees for services such as green waste collection are creeping in; hours of free parking are shortening; and leisure centres are getting more expensive.

The Economist, Page: 21, 22