Council will ease funeral heartache for needy families

Local authority to meet the bill for youngsters

08.06.2018 Grieving families on low incomes will be given help to pay for funeral costs.

Renfrewshire Council is drawing up plans for a service aimed to help those struggling to pay for arrangements.

It comes as the average cost for a service reaches £3,500.

Council leader Councillor Iain Nicolson revealed the local authority will foot the bill for all costs for youngsters.

He said : “We have agreed that all council costs involved in the death of young children under the age of 16 will be removed. Losing a child is one of the biggest tragedies that a family can endure.

“The steps we have taken are a small way of helping to support families.

“Renfrewshire Council recognises that the trauma and pain of having to organise your child’s funeral is something that no-one ever plans for or expects to happen.

“We believe individuals should have access to support which helps to provide a respectful and dignified funeral service, particularly when financial circumstances are already difficult for some families.”

Bosses have earmarked £50,000 for the scheme and revealed the proposals in a report to members.

Local authorities have a duty to pay for service costs for those who have no living relatives.

This scheme has been expanded to cover those with family, who are unable to raise the funds.

Support claims increased by more than a third between 2002 and 2015.

Westminster also provides a grant for individuals on low incomes who need help to pay for a funeral.

The cash covers the cost of a lair and interment or cremation fees.

It also covers up to £700 towards other costs such as a coffin, hearse, undertaker fees and flowers for those on benefits.

Renfrewshire Council does not offer a cremation service.

It does provide burial lairs, at a price of £ 459, and the cost for interment is £479.

These are among the lowest in the country and £300 less than the national average.

Funeral directors are privatelyrun operations and the local authority has no power over charges.

The council decision was revealed in a report to members.

It stated: “Due to an increase in funeral poverty over the past five years, some local authorities have worked with funeral directors to introduce a ‘basic’ or ‘respectful funeral service’.

“The council will work with directors, nearby crematoria and neighbouring authorities, where the schemes have been implemented successfully. It will develop an affordable and respectful funeral service specification and approach.”