Fosters has welcomed ITV’s Tonight Show’s recent investigation into the industry, which once again shines a spotlight on the cost of dying.
According to the Tonight programme Funeral Costs: The Price of Dying, which aired on ITV on 2nd May, the average cost of a funeral in 2024 is at an all-time high.
Down to Earth is a social action project on funeral poverty, and its Co-manager, Lindesay Mace, told the programme, “Last year, 1 in 5 people faced notable financial concerns when paying for a funeral. It’s so common to hear people say that they don’t have time and space to process their grief because all they can focus on is ‘how they are going to get that money together?'”
Government support is available through the ‘Funeral Support Payment’ for people living in Scotland who are financially responsible for the funeral and on a qualifying benefit or tax credit. However, the burden can be daunting for those who don’t qualify. Lindesay continued, “The cost-of-living crisis is pushing more and more people into debt, so a financial shock like having to pay for a funeral can push people into unmanageable debt or worsen debt that people already have.”
What is driving up the cost of funerals?
Sam Richardson, Deputy Editor of Which? Money explains: “The cost of energy has gone up so much, which we have all noticed on our bills. That affects the cost of cremation.” He adds, “Burial plots, as cemeteries become more full, have risen a lot.”
Andrew Judd, CEO of the National Association of Funeral Directors, added, “Whether it’s been fuel, heating, or the costs of employing people, we [the funeral industry] are subject to the same economic pressures as any other business.”
What can you do to manage the cost?
Speak to us: If you are having difficulty, speak to us so we can help you use the available budget in the best possible way to help the family get to where they need to be. Call free on 0800 121 8090 for immediate support.
Speak to your loved ones: Fosters are big advocates for discussing your funeral wishes with close family members. Although this can be difficult, having a more open conversation will help you understand what is important to you so that your loved ones don’t overspend as they try to ‘do the right thing’ at an already difficult time. Discussion topics that can significantly affect the cost of a funeral could include whether it is a burial or cremation, the choice and quality of the coffin, the number of family cars, the day and time of the funeral, and floral tributes to name a few.
What about a direct cremation? To keep funeral costs down, more people are now opting for Direct cremation, which now accounts for one in five funerals (Source Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2024). Although this is a dignified and respectful send-off, for some, this can leave them feeling they haven’t got to say goodbye properly, so it’s a good idea to discuss this before choosing it to make sure that it is what you want. (see https://www.fostersfuneraldirectors.com/direct-cremation-a-refreshingly-simple-option-or-a-barrier-to-grieving/ for more information)
Research Thoroughly: The cost of funerals can vary widely, but most people don’t shop around, and for those that do, some disreputable funeral directors still don’t publish their prices. In February 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) estimated that 10% of funeral directors still aren’t compliant with the requirements around transparency despite legislation coming into force in September 2022. Fosters has long championed transparency and ethical practices within the funeral industry. We strive to make difficult times a little bit easier for families through clear pricing and unwavering dedication to supporting them with a range of options to meet most families’ needs.
Recent news about the shocking findings at Legacy Funeral Directors in Hull shows that some funeral directors cannot be trusted in an unregulated market. So we are delighted that Scottish Government legislation is being introduced this year to regulate the funeral industry in Scotland. We believe this will restore much-needed confidence and provide additional customer protection.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s initiative to regulate the funeral industry in Scotland,” said Nick McLaughlin, Managing Directors at Fosters Funeral Directors. “These developments align perfectly with Fosters’ core values of transparency, fairness, and exceptional customer service.”
“We strongly believe regulation is a positive step for the funeral industry,” continued Nick. “It will bring greater transparency and consumer protection, ensuring families receive the highest quality service at a fair price during a difficult time.”
What about paying for my funeral in advance?
A pre-paid funeral plan can be a practical way to manage funeral costs and remove the financial burden from your family by paying for all or most of it in advance. 37% of those surveyed by Tonight had already purchased a pre-paid funeral plan. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has regulated the funeral plan industry since July 2022, when Fosters were delighted to be approved. All plans purchased since then receive the following benefits:
- Financial Security: FCA regulation ensures that customer funds paid towards a funeral plan are stored safely. With Fosters that is with a Whole of Life assurance policy with a leading UK provider.
- Consumer Protection: The FCA’s regulatory framework provides customers with clear information and recourse options, promoting fair treatment.
- Peace of Mind: Being approved by the FCA demonstrates Fosters’ commitment to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.
Fairer Finance CEO James Daley said: “Check on FCA register for FCA-regulated companies”. He continues “it is important to check and check again as, unfortunately, there are scammers out there ready to take advantage of you“.
Before you purchase a plan, make sure the provider is on the list of FCA-regulated companies. You can check our status here: Fosters FRN 966550.
Summary
Plan ahead if you can, discuss your wishes with your loved ones to avoid unnecessary expenses, and research thoroughly online to find a top quality funeral director you can trust to ensure you receive the highest quality of service at a fair price.
Further information
The Funeral Support Payment:
- Funeral Support Payment helps pay towards funeral costs if you live in Scotland. The payment can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, child or adult. This includes babies who were stillborn
- People can apply for support up to six months after the date of their loved one’s funeral
- Those eligible for the Funeral Support Payment must be living in Scotland, be financially responsible for the funeral and be on a qualifying benefit or tax credit
- In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for a baby, child or young person aged 17 or under
- People can choose to apply online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland’s specially trained bereavement team free on 0800 182 2222
- More information can be found online at https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment/
You can watch the Tonight Progamme on STV Player:
