Littleton struggles to keep its welfare budget in check because of high demand

LITTLETON — As the town struggles to keep its welfare budget in check because of high demand, it is adding more money to another component within the budget — funerals. New Hampshire is one of the last states to require municipalities to provide welfare to citizens in need, and that assistance covers anything from money for rent to paying electricity bills. In the welfare budget, though, is a line item for funerals. During Monday’s Select Board meeting, the board approved a recommendation to increase the 2024 budget line from $750 per funeral to $1,000.  The board voted 3-0 to move the budget line from $750 to $1,000 per funeral to help the funeral parlors offset their costs. They also voted to transfer the welfare expenditure fund.