Government urged to help those in funeral debt

Funeral poverty has reached an all-time high, as those who struggle to pay take on an average debt of almost £1,700, figures show.

The average cost of a funeral has increased to £3,784 – an increase of 3 per cent on last year – according to the Royal London National Funeral Cost Index.

Funeral debt has also risen to £160 million from £147m. Senior figures at Royal London have called on the UK government to follow Scotland’s example and “do more” to tackle funeral debt.

Royal London’s funeral cost spokeswoman Louise Eaton-terry said: “It is clear that Government action to tackle funeral poverty is long overdue.

“The Scottish Government is leading the way with its commitment to providing help and guidance on funeral costs for consumers. We want Westminster to follow Scotland’s lead and do more to address the issue of rising funeral debt.”