Southport Hebrew Congregation has warned that it might have to sell its synagogue if Sefton Council passes a controversial “funeral tax”.

The congregation — which has an average age of 73 — uses the council-run cemetery in Duke Street. The council proposes to increase burial plot costs from £750 to £900 to generate additional income.

A council report on the proposals, due to be heard by Sefton’s cabinet yesterday, quotes consultation comments from the 105-member synagogue, warning that its burial fund would be unable to meet the extra cost. It would have to use reserves and “ultimately sell the synagogue”.