Grave fears over cost of funerals
Prices have rocketed over last decade, says Kirk
Jack Thomson
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lynsey.gair@reachplc.com kirsteen.brown@trinitymirror.com 0141 309 4312 Funeral costs are spiralling out of control for skint families, Kirk leaders warn.
The Church of Scotland has called for action amid warnings service prices are out of reach for too many in Renfrewshire.
Westminster has signalled a mooted market review over “substantial increases” in prices over the last decade.
Churches have called for action to help those unable to give a proper goodbye to loved ones.
The Rev Bryan Kerr sits on the Scottish Working Group on Funeral Poverty for the Kirk and says those on the lowest wages are struggling.
He said: “No one should be plunged into debt to say goodbye to a loved one.
“Given one of the largest increases in the cost of funerals have been local authority burial charges, we would urge this to be taken into account during the proposed market investigation.
“We want to ensure that funerals are carried out with dignity, no matter the economic situation of the family concerned, and the service of ministers is provided free of charge.”
Campaign group Fair Funerals say too many are struggling to pay for send-offs.
Research by the group reveals funeral costs have risen 112 per cent across the UK over the last 13 years.
It says the average price for cremation stands at £3,596 or £4,561 for a burial.
Renfrewshire Council has earmarked £50,000 to help pay for services. The local authority has also scrapped funeral fees for under-18s.
It charges £479.25 for grave burials and £459.90 for new lairs, but this will not apply to those under the cut-off.
Interment costs, lair purchase and headstone permits will not be charged for teenagers.
Local authorities have a duty to pay for service costs for those who have no living relatives.
The council stumped- up almost £40,000 to cover public funeral costs over the last five years.
They stepped in after experts warned funeral prices are increasing at four times the rate of inflation.
Support claims for funeral fees increased by more than a third between 2002 and 2015.
Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the government’s Competition and Market Authority, has called for a probe into prices.
He said: “People mourning the loss of a loved one are extremely vulnerable and at risk of being exploited.
“We need to make sure that they are protected at such an emotional time, and we’re very concerned about the substantial increases in funeral prices over the past decade.
“We now feel that the full powers of a market investigation are required to address the issues.
“We also want to hear from people who have experienced poor practices in the sector, so that we can take any action needed to fix these problems.”
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.