Doreen Bucknall, 60, and her sister Mary Taylor were horrified to discover they would have to pay £470 to replace two plaques laid in memory of their parents at Pontefract Crematorium.

Wakefield Council's new rules mean all existing kerbstone plaques have to be removed because their 25-year leases have expired.

They will not be replaced unless relatives pay £235 per plaque.

Mrs Bucknall said: "If you bury someone, the lease for the plot is about 99 years, so why should relatives of those who are cremated have to pay an absurd amount every decade?

"Our dad died 44 years ago, and our mum 28. We have had the plaques renewed twice by the council over the years and no one has ever mentioned a lease to us. It's disgusting – the council is going to make a fortune out of this, and our council tax already pays for the upkeep of the crematorium.

"It is completely wrong and it's just another tax on death."

The pair met MP Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, who promised to look into the new rules, which also affect Wakefield Crematorium.

A council letter sent to the sisters said all new plaques must be bronze to make the crematorium look tidier.

Mrs Bucknall, who lives in Sandal, added: "It's nonsense because in a graveyard all the gravestones are different shapes, sizes and states of repair.

"We would like everyone to know about this and hopefully start a nationwide petition."

Mr Balls told the Express he had written to the council and offered to meet the sisters again.

Jerry Spencer, Wakefield Council's service director for environment, said he was aware of the issue and would ensure further discussions were held to clarify the situation.