Croydon is the fifth most expensive place to die in the UK, according to new research.

A study by the GMB has compiled costs charged by councils across the UK to bury a loved one in their cemeteries or bury ashes following a cremation, in a plot that would be exclusive to them for 50 years.

A Croydon family choosing to bury a loved one in their own plot in the borough can expect to pay £4,106, made up of interment fees of £954 and a £3,152 fee for exclusive burial rights, making Croydon the fifth most expensive place in the UK to be buried in this way.

The cost of a cremation with exclusive burial rights came in slightly cheaper at £2,265. The figure is made up of £670 cremation fees, £1,410 in exclusive burial rights and £185 for the interment of the ashes.

Paul Hayes, secretary of GMB London said the figures would come as a shock to many people, but Croydon Council say just a minority of people actually pay this much with most people choosing reclaimed graves which costs considerably lest.

Mr Hayes said: "At a time when the cost of living occupies most peoples' concerns it will be a real shock to many living in London the cost of dying is so high.

"The total costs of a funeral average over £7,000 according to some surveys, someone is making a lot of money out of peoples bereavement."

But a spokesman for Croydon Council described the GMB's figures as misleading and said they were not average or typical figures.

He added: "It is worth noting the comparisons shown for many other boroughs do not include exclusive burial rights or crematorium fees, although they have included these for Croydon.

"The typical cost of a cremation in Croydon is only £670, which unlike some boroughs includes an urn and the organist for the service.

"For a simple service the cost can be as little as £560. We find that most people opt to scatter ashes, which is free.

"Those who choose to purchase a fresh family plot for ashes can do so if they wish, but up to four sets can share this plot, meaning the cost is shared.

"With regards to burials, the GMB have shown the figure for a single person in a new grave. However the vast majority of people are buried in reclaimed graves.

"These are some £1,500 less than the figure quoted, and again, can be shared between two people."