The soaring costs of funerals

GEPP

1 June 2018

By Lisa Carter

According to recent reports, The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and The Treasury are to review funeral costs 'to ensure that people are not getting a bad deal.' A consultation is due to be launched to investigate the possibility of regulating the funeral sector. There have been growing concerns over high costs of funerals and pre-paid funeral plans with some families having to pay extra hidden costs after their loved ones have died. The average cost of a funeral in 2017 was said to be around £4,000 and campaigners have raised concerns about large administration fees charged by some providers.

The fact remains that people are doing more and more to plan for what happens when they die, and one of the best ways to achieve this is with a Will. Along with setting out how you wish your estate to be dealt with, it is also possible to include funeral wishes within a Will by giving an expression of a wish, such as whether you wish to be buried or cremated.

As the solicitors I work with remind those we see when discussing a Will, an expression of funeral wishes is not legally binding, but it is normally followed where possible and can also give your family members a good indication of your wishes.  I'd also recommend that, in addition (or in the alternative), you may want to express funeral wishes in an accompanying document or letter that can be left with your friends and family or with your Will.

Should you wish to wish to discuss how we can help in more detail please contact the Private Client team on 01245 228127 for further information. This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues. 

This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.