Chancellor challenged to #BurytheDebt for grieving families

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One in six families are facing debt and distress after arranging a funeral. Vital government help with basic funeral costs was capped at £700 in 2003, far less than the cost of the most basic funeral.

Now campaigners, charities and funeral industry are calling on the Chancellor Philip Hammond to #BurytheDebt and raise the funeral fund so it covers the cost of a basic funeral and grieving families are not forced into poverty and debt.

The #BurytheDebt campaign was launched on Tuesday 17th October with a funeral debt procession in Parliament Square. Campaigners are asking people sign their petition to help put pressure on the Chancellor to act.

Sign the petition

Shrinking state support

The funeral fund was designed to cover the cost of a basic funeral for grieving families who would otherwise be unable to afford one. Spending on the fund has only increased by 4.5% since 1988 – with 2017 expenditure the lowest for 10 years, and the average funeral fund award only covers 40% of a basic funeral

Kristina’s story

In this short video, Fair Funerals spokesperson Kristina tells her story of struggling with her mum’s deal at the same time as crippling funeral debts.

Kristina says;
“With all the debt I couldn’t afford and the emotions from losing mum, I just couldn’t grieve in peace.”

Watch the 2 minute campaign video here

Chancellor challenged to act

Campaigners are asking the Chancellor to raise the amount of money available for funeral expenses in line with funeral cost inflation, which would bring it to £1,377. They are asking that this figure be up-rated annually in line with the retail price index.

Heather Kennedy, Fair Funerals campaigns manager says:

“In the fifth richest country in the world, it’s simply not good enough that grieving families are being forced into poverty and debt trying to arrange a simple funeral after someone they love dies. Our government needs to take action to address this growing public concern and guarantee everyone in dignity in death. By increasing the funeral fund, many grieving families would be spared the emotional and financial burden of not being unable to afford a respectful funeral.”

Sharing the video and petition
Please share the video and petition using the hashtag #BurytheDebt

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Funeral Director fees

The price quoted contains the Funeral Director fees for a simple funeral. This includes:

  • Funeral Director fees for meetings, paperwork and running the funeral
  • Collection of the deceased and care prior to funeral
  • Hearse or appropriate vehicle for transport to the funeral
  • Basic coffin

The Funeral Director fees quoted do not include third party costs (often called disbursements). The Funeral Director will guide you through your options. These costs are:

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  • Medical certificate for cremation
  • Clergy or officiant fee for conducting the ceremony

In addition to the disbursements you may want to discuss optional costs with your Funeral Director - these could include:

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  • Orders of service
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