Thatcher funeral cost ‘up to £3 million’

THE direct costs for Baroness Thatcher’s funeral were about £1.2 million, it was announced today. However, if staff time is included, the bill rises to well over £3 million.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's funeral took place at St Pauls Cathedral in April. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the ceremonial funeral held in April had been a “fitting tribute to one of our greatest prime ministers”.

The final figures published by the Government showed that departments spent £261,976 on the event, which was attended by dignitaries from around the world.

Providing policing and security came in at £943,833.

However, the so-called “opportunity costs” - spending on staff who could have been used elsewhere - were another £2 million for police.

The Ministry of Defence has not calculated an equivalent value for the deployment of its personnel.