Oxford City Council has announced it is scrapping burial fees for children who pass away before their 12th birthday.

The new policy will take immediate effect and follows a decision made at full council last month.

The move was unanimously backed by councillors from all parties. Linda Smith, city executive member for leisure, parks and sport, said: "The last thing newly-bereaved parents need is a bill they might not be able to pay. No one puts money aside in anticipation of such a horrific event as a child dying.

“When parents are grieving it is not the time to expect them to apply for a grant or take out a loan to cover the bare essentials of a burial.

"This change to our fees and charges tariff will cost the council relatively little, but I hope it will have a positive impact by removing a bit of avoidable extra stress and worry for parents in the immediate aftermath of their loss."

The City Council offers cemetery services in four cemeteries at Wolvercote, Headington, Rose Hill and Botley. 

Last month couple David and Diane Naylor spoke of the 'indescribable' pain of losing their daughter in April 2015 and said it was unthinkable that bereaved parents should have to worry about money.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will continue to offer a free burial service for babies who die before 24 weeks of gestation through its John Radcliffe Hospital Bereavement Service.

Oxford City Council will now provide a free burial service for babies from 25 weeks gestation and children up until the age of twelve, for people who live in the city.

Funeral directors have been notified of the changes.