Tough topic simply has to be tackled

It is a topic none of us particularly wants to discuss, but in life we simply must accept that there is nothing more inevitable than death. It may not be the most pleasant of things to consider, but the huge cost of funerals is adding yet another burden during the most horrific of times – and increasingly it is a burden many simply cannot bear.

According to a probe by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) there is significant evidence of aboveinflation price rises for funeral director and crematoria services. A major investigation into the rocketing costs is set to get under way amid fears the most vulnerable members of society face being exploited.

At the same time, the government has vowed to crack down on “rip-off” pre-paid funeral plan providers.

Given the emotions involved, it is hard to view funerals as just another way to make money, but they are big business.

Nevertheless, that does not mean those involved should be seeking profit at any cost.

Everyone involved in the industry has a duty to respect their customers – and, just as in any other walk of life, those seeking to exploit the most vulnerable should be harshly judged.

People typically spend up to £5,000 on a funeral. For some people this represents a huge chunk of their income.

We must be able to trust providers to offer genuine value for money, no matter how hard that may be to judge.