Funeral Costs on The Increase

Funeral Costs

Rising funeral costs have recently become a focus point in social media and the press. Local authorities and the Government have all been vocal in discussing their opinions.

As a company, rising funeral costs remain a concern to us. (After all, our number one priority is looking after our families). We were one of the first funeral directors in Dorset to introduce funeral plans to help our families to prepare and save for funerals in advance. The average cost of simple funerals has risen in the last year. Today a simple funeral is more than twice as expensive as it was a decade ago. This is due to many factors, from the increasing costs of cremation, burial and other expenses, including funeral director’s services.

Our support

2017 will see many businesses face increasing costs out of their control. Some will see increased labour costs because of the new National Living Wage. Costs of running premises will increase for many, with new Business Rate bands along with higher energy and insurance premiums. Vehicle running costs are on the up, due to the rise in fuel costs and insurance premiums. For many companies, the falling value of the pound sees an increase in costs of importing raw materials and goods. Unfortunately, funeral directors are not immune from these increases. Some will have to raise their prices to cover the increased costs. We endeavour to keep our prices affordable. We have not increased our core services and aim to keep our funeral costs  frozen over the next 12 months.

Support from the Government

At such a devastating time for family and friends, funeral costs can be an additional burden. However, there is some help available, such as assistance from the Social Fund and The Bereavement Support Payment.

Funeral payments from the Social Fund is a Government Scheme that aims to help contribute towards the funeral costs. This is available if you are on low-income or receive certain benefits. Often it is a loan that will be paid back to the Government out of the estate.

The Bereavement Support Payment is for those who have lost a husband, wife or civil partner. The Bereavement Support Payment was introduced in April 2017 and replaces any other bereavement allowances. You’ll get a larger first payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount depends on your circumstances.
(Link: www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/eligibility)

Funeral Plans

Prepaid funeral plans can provide peace of mind and security for those taking out the funeral plan as well as for their loved ones. By planning ahead, a funeral plan can make the overwhelming situation that bit easier.

A funeral plan minimises stress and can help shield your loved ones from financial pressure on top of their grieving. It also relieves the strain of having to plan it all themselves and means that you get the send-off that you really want.

A funeral plan can beat inflation in funeral director expenses by buying a plan where the funeral director guarantees their companies fees (this will be unlikely to cover third party costs outside of their control e.g. crematorium prices).

A funeral plan also provides security as the funds are invested and protected until needed. Most funeral plan providers belong to the Funeral Planning Authority  (FPA) with a strict code of conduct that all members must agree to. By paying a lump sum or part of it by credit card, will also give you protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (however there may be an additional charge). Funeral plan providers do not have to be members of the FPA to provide funeral plans, so check if they are a member of the FPA

A funeral plan also offers financial flexibility by paying through instalments. This can help you spread the cost and help you budget. This means that you can be confident that you have enough funds and that you are not going above your means. When purchasing a funeral plan always make sure that you know what you are buying and that you are satisfied by what is included.

A Local Funeral Plan

With funeral costs likely to increase over this year, fixing your funeral costs at today’s prices with a funeral plan is well worth considering.

Douch Family Funeral Directors have been taking care of bereaved families for many years. We take great care and pride in our work and it is no different when it comes to our Dorset funeral plans.

The Dorset Funeral Plan allows you to pre-arrange and pre-pay for a funeral. It enables you to choose exactly how you would like your funeral to be and helps alleviate the pressure of making decisions for your family and friends. Prepaying for your funeral also helps lessen the financial burden on your loved ones.
You can choose a set plan or we can create a bespoke plan to suit your individual priorities.

Your funeral will be provided by one of our local, independent funeral directors in Dorset, but if you move away you can transfer your plan through a network of professional firms across the UK.

We guarantee:

•    To beat rising funeral costs.
•    That there will be no more for your family to pay for your Funeral Director’s services.
•    Acceptance regardless of age.
•    Acceptance without the need for any health or medical questions.
•    To give you a full refund if you change your mind within the first 28 days.
•    Flexibility to amend the plan if you change your mind later.

Our pre-payment plans are provided by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd who are members of the FPA.

My Funeral Wishes

If prepaying for your funeral is not something you wish to do right now, however you would like to get your wishes written down, please feel free to download a ‘My Funeral Wishes’ form. This provides a simple way of laying out your requests.

Learn more about our fair funerals pledge and low-cost funeral plans by getting in touch with your local branch.