Funeral poverty is a growing concern in the UK, with many individuals and families struggling to afford the costs of a funeral. According to a report by SunLife, a simple attended funeral costs an average of £3,828. This has led to a significant number of people being unable to afford funerals, with 15% of those arranging funerals struggling to pay.
The consequences of funeral poverty can be severe, with many families being forced to turn to charities for support. Quaker Social Action's Down to Earth funeral poverty service has seen a 6% increase in requests for help this year, despite death rates in England and Wales being approximately 2% below last year's levels. The charity has reported cases of funeral directors refusing to collect the deceased or allow families to spend time with them until payment is received.
The issue of funeral poverty is complex and multifaceted. Lindesay Mace, co-manager of Quaker Social Action's Down to Earth service, describes the distress and guilt that many families experience when they are unable to afford a funeral. She also highlights the inconsistencies in public health funerals, which can vary significantly depending on the local council.
There are concerns about the growth of direct cremation and the emergence of "disposal services" at the cheapest end of the market. Rachel Bradburne, a funeral-sector policy specialist, warns that this can lead to a lack of dignity and respect for the deceased and their families.
The UK government has introduced some measures to help with funeral costs, including the Funeral Expenses Payment, which helps eligible families with burial or cremation costs. However, this payment is capped at £1,000, which many argue is woefully inadequate. Quaker Social Action is calling for this allowance to be raised to £2,259, with eligibility broadened along Scottish lines.
The funeral industry is also calling for stricter regulation to ensure that funeral directors operate to a minimum set of standards. The David Fuller Inquiry exposed failures in mortuary security, and there are concerns about the lack of oversight in the sector.
Ultimately, tackling funeral poverty will require a broader approach that addresses the underlying causes of poverty and financial insecurity. As Mace notes, "the causes of funeral poverty are connected to the causes of child poverty, food poverty, housing and so on."
Key points
- The average cost of a simple attended funeral in the UK is £3,828.
- 15% of those arranging funerals struggle to pay, with 70% reporting an impact on their mental health.
- Quaker Social Action is calling for the Funeral Expenses Payment allowance to be raised to £2,259, with eligibility broadened.
