The rise of funeral costs in the UK

Funerals are more expensive than ever before

However you look at it, death is a very emotional part of life. And of course, at a time of great upset, it’s only natural not to think too much about the cost of dying.

But, sadly the financial burden is actually quite large, which, when the time comes, is probably the last thing you want your loved ones to be worrying about.

Sun Life Direct’s Cost of Dying report

According to Sun Life Direct’s fifth annual Cost of Dying Report, which was carried out independently by Mintel, end of life costs in the UK today (including death-related costs such as funeral costs probate fees, headstones and flowers) have risen to an average of £7,248 – representing a dramatic rise of 20% since 2007 and over £400 since last year. Although this figure includes all non-discretionary, discretionary and legal fees, one of the biggest factors is that funeral costs have increased by 61% over the past seven years, and this only looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

The report also reveals that this increase in costs has been met with surprise and concern from the people who are actually making end of life arrangements. In fact, 53% said that the cost of funerals was more than they expected. Only 7% said the cost was lower than anticipated.

Government help with costs

The Government does provide potential help with funeral costs through the Social Fund Funeral Payments Scheme, helping people on low income or benefits with emergency expenses. But despite this, there could still be severe consequences for many. As Dr Kate Woodthorpe, lecturer in Sociology at the University of Bath and one of the report’s authors, explains:

“State resources for funeral payments are stretched. 38,000 funeral awards were made by the Department of Work and Pensions administered Social Fund Funeral Payments Scheme in 2010/11, with over 30,000 applications unsuccessful. Payouts for successful applications averaged only £1,217. These figures highlight the mismatch between demand for financial aid and the realities of supply.”

It may not be a cheery thought, but it’s certainly very comforting to know that your end of life affairs are taken care of and that you won’t be a burden to your loved ones at a very upsetting time.

To find out more about funeral costs in your area, why not take a look at our article discover the real cost of funerals?

Source: Mintel Consumer Research Study, July 2011