I have had one or two conversations recently regarding the costs of funerals and the burden it can place on families and friends. The feeling was that that burden is getting worse. Costs have increased and people's income is under greater pressure than ever. There has been a reported increase in, to use a horrible phrase 'paupers funerals'. The average funeral can cost anything between £3,000 and £5,000 and average levels of savings are approximately £7,500, so it can have a considerable cut in the deceased person's estate. For those that qualify there is limited help from the Social Fund, of up to £700 plus the actual cost.
Some will have prepaid for their funeral through a long existing scheme through the Co-op or other funeral directors, but for many it will come as a very big cost at what is often a difficult and challenging time.
It would be good to have the thoughts and experiences from others in Sandwell, perhaps to do a little research. Like many things, it is possible to do funerals in other ways, which can reduce the costs, but are also dignified.
