Families to get up to £2,000 for children’s funeral costs

THOUSANDS of families who lose children through death or stillbirth are to get up to £2,000 funeral costs paid by the Government.

A funeral fund for England will cover the costs of cremation or burial, which can range from £500 to more than £1,500, as well as £300 for a coffin.

The Government will fully fund the estimated £14million annually to cover the 3,800 children who die under the age of 18 each year and the 2,700 stillbirths. The fund will be available regardless of the family’s income.

Theresa May, the Prime Minister, said: “At a time of such unimaginable loss, no grieving parent should be faced with the stress and worry of finding the money to cover the costs of their child’s funeral. I hope the Children’s Funeral Fund will bring an end to this and give families some comfort and support when they need it most.”

It follows a cross-party campaign led by Carolyn Harris, the MP for Swansea East, who lost her son Martin, eight, in a road accident. She said she was “absolutely delighted” though it was a “bittersweet” moment.

“My son has now got a legacy,” she added. “I can sleep easy that no other parent will have to look to fund their own children’s funeral.”

She was working as a dinner lady when her son was killed 30 years ago, and the pain was compounded by the shock of a “bill that I didn’t expect and could not afford”.

Mrs May added: “I would again like to pay tribute to Carolyn Harris and all those who have campaigned with such devotion and dignity on this issue.”

Edward Argar, the justice minister, said: “The loss of a child is a tragedy which no parent can prepare for.

“While nothing can ever remove the pain that bereaved families experience, this Government is determined to do everything in its power to ease the burden on them, which is why, in line with the Prime Minister’s pledge, I have developed the scheme.”