Funeral costs changes

Changes to the ways bereaved families can cover the costs of funerals are likely under new laws.

Moves to introduce instalment plans are among proposals on new guidelines for funeral charges which local authorities including West Lothian have been asked to comment on. The costs of burials is soaring across the country but West Lothian charges are still relatively low.

Lairs cost £574.31 and interment fees for adults are £548.18. Cremation lairs, for four sets of ashes are £229.03.

In a report to West Lothian Council’s executive officials said: “The Scottish Government aims at introducing this statutory guidance is to improve the availability and transparency of funeral charges information to help consumers understand, compare and choose the services that are right for them.

“The guidance recognises that people buying a funeral are often distressed and need to make a purchase quickly; therefore they may not behave like a normal consumer.“

At earlier meetings officials highlighted how West Lothian has detailed costs for funerals widely available through the council’s website and help is also available at the council advice shops.

As the report added: “The sensitivity of dealing with customers at this time is already recognised across practices adopted by West Lothian Council.”

The only major adjustment the council will have to make is in the introduction of instalment payment plans.

The report added: “There is an expectation that where the prepurchase of lairs is offered, that the local authority allows payment to be made in stages or by instalment, where this is requested. The council currently does not provide this facility and this will require consideration to assess the mechanism for introducing this.”

Councillors agreed the officials ’response.