Ministers launch plan to tackle pain of funeral poverty
● Consultation to prevent the bereaved from falling into debt
New plans to prevent bereaved people being tipped into poverty as a result of hefty funeral costs were yesterday published by the Scottish Government.
The consultation on tackling funeral poverty calls on funeral directors to publicise low cost options when it comes to laying loved ones to rest.
The Scottish Government document also calls for funeral plans to be presented in easily understood language, noting that confusion can be caused by different terminology used across the country.
Funeral directors were urged to use “common descriptors” to enable people to compare prices.
Price lists should be easily available on paper, electronically and on the internet.
It called for crematoriums to bear in mind whether a person can afford to pay for a funeral when discussing options.
Funeral directors should offer a clearly priced simple funeral that includes handling the necessary documentation, a coffin, transportation of the deceased, care of the deceased before the funeral, provision of a hearse and opportunity for a ceremony at the crematorium or cemetery.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The death of a loved one is a heartbreaking experience. Where it has not been possible to put aside money for the funeral in advance, worries about
0 Government calls for funeral plans to be presented in easily understood language
costs can add to the difficulties faced, potentially tipping people into poverty and making things even more difficult for those who are already facing hardship.
“We are committed to tackling funeral poverty in Scotland. This guidance is one of a series of actions set out in our funeral costs plan, and today’s launch marks an important step in helping people understand and plan for the costs
associated with arranging a funeral.
“While we’re not responsible for the prices set by councils and businesses, we want to encourage funeral directors and burial and cremation authorities to make information more accessible.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this sensitive area to give us their views.”
The Scottish Government has said it will invest over
£3 million each year to widen eligibility for the Funeral Expense Assistance benefit that will replace the DWP Funeral Payment in Scotland by summer 2019. With Cosla it has removed local authority child burial and cremation fees.
The consultation, which runs for 12 weeks, sets out measures that can be adopted by burial authorities, crematoriums and funeral directors.