Families living in one of Britain's most deprived areas are being made to pay up to £12,000 for a bench to honour deceased love ones.
The Conservative-minority led Torbay Council has faced criticism for not informing residents on the new charges, which are said to be the most costly in the country.
Locals are given the option to "sponsor" a bench for either five or 25 years, with "premium locations", including Torquay seafront, delivering the heaviest blows to families' wallets.
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The Conservative-minority led Torbay Council has faced criticism for not informing residents on the new charges
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Benches in Torbay's less sought-after spots are priced at up to £8,000.
Families and friends have been left outraged by the fees, far higher than those in neighbouring areas and London’s top spots, which have put a heavy strain on those trying to honour loved ones.
Kevin Shenton, a local resident who is raising money for a bench to honour a family friend, accused Torbay Council of having a “two-tier pricing system, which makes no sense”.
Mr Shenton said: “The council told me it’s not-for-profit, yet, if you want a bench in the most prestigious address, you have to pay more.
Families and friends have been left outraged by the fees, far higher than those in neighbouring areas and London’s best spots
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"How can it be right that you can get a bench for so much less in Westminster?
“I’ve been trying to get answers from the council, but they are digging their heels in. Nobody can explain to me why it’s £12,000.
“They say about maintenance and repair costs, but you can get insurance cover for a bench for about £4 a year, so it’s really not expensive.”
In contrast, in one of Britain's most expensive areas, Westminster City Council charges £1,625 for memorial bench supply and upkeep for ten years.
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The leader of the council's independent group, Darren Cowell, said: "I’m shocked by it, as you’d expect decisions like this to be a transparent process, not made behind closed doors.
“The pricing is bizarre. If they were £5,000, you’d still think that’s steep.
“The ability for people to splash out this kind of money on a bench is beyond the reach of the vast majority of residents.
“Torbay suffers from some of the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the country, which a lot of people wouldn’t realise."
The council have affirmed they are high quality and 'not standard timber garden benches'
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In addition to the benches, Torbay Council offers residents to buy plaques which may be placed on the benches - costing £550 and £850 for the more desirable locations.
It is believed that over 800 benches in the local area are owned by the authority.
The council have affirmed they are high quality and "not standard timber garden benches".
GB News have approached Torbay Council for comment.