The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Benefits plan to help Scots tackle ‘funeral poverty’
Funeral Expense Assistance to be introduced by Government in 2019
Benefits to help people struggling with funeral costs and a new savings scheme to tackle funeral poverty have been announced by the Scottish Government.
Equalities Minister Angela Constance set out a 10-point plan to address the “growing issue” of people ending up in poverty due to funeral expenses.
The new Funeral Expense Assistance is expected to be introduced by September 2019 and is part of a raft of benefits being devolved to the Scottish Parliament from Westminster.
Other actions include introducing a funeral bond pilot scheme to assist savers, publishing guidance on funeral costs by December 2018, and strengthening consumer protection on funeral plans.
In 2016, the basic cost of a burial, excluding undertakers’ fees, was £1,373, up 8% on the previous year, Citizens Advice Scotland found.
There were large differences in price across the country with Edinburgh the most expensive council area at £2,253, and the Western Isles the cheapest at £701.
Stirling University researchers found councils across Scotland spent an estimated £500,000 on so-called “paupers”’ funerals the same year.
Ms Constance launched the new plan on a visit to Renfrewshire Wide Credit Union in Paisley yesterday.
She said: “We know funeral costs can push people into poverty – and often it is those already in financial hardship who face increased difficulties.
“That is why we are taking decisive action to tackle this growing issue and have engaged with local authorities, the funeral sector and other support services. I am pleased by the willingness to work together to find solutions that support more affordable funerals.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those who need it most following a bereavement, which is why we will introduce a new Funeral Expense Assistance from summer 2019.”