Recent cost of dying statistics have shown that the average funeral has risen to an all time high with no sign of a significant slow down.
- The rising cost of dying: Average funeral now costs £7,600 and thousands are struggling to afford a fitting send off.
- Study claims cost of funeral, burial and administration is up 7.1%
- Estimated that 100,000 people will struggle to pay for funeral this year
- Rose 80% between 2004 and 2013 and will continue to increase
The average cost of dying – including funeral, burial or cremation and state administration – stands at £7,622, having risen by 7.1 per cent in the past year, a study claims. The authors of the study at the University of Bath’s Institute for Policy Research have called on the Government to review the current system of state support for funeral costs. They estimate that over 100,000 people will struggle to pay for a funeral this year alone.
In spite of the lowest-ever recorded mortality rates for England and Wales, the cost of dying has steadily increased over recent years.
The average cost of a funeral in fact rose by 80 per cent between 2004 and 2013 and the costs of dying are expected to continue to increase over the next five years. On average, the price of a typical funeral, including non-discretionary fees and a burial or cremation, is £3,456. The average amount spent on extras such as a memorial, flowers and catering is £2,006 and discretionary estate administration costs have increased significantly to £2,160.
For families on low incomes, the Social Fund Funeral Payment, first introduced in 1988, is intended to support those who struggle to find the money to pay for a funeral. However, the report challenges the effectiveness and availability of this provision. By highlighting an average shortfall of £1,277 that many face, the report suggests that ‘funeral poverty’ today is some 50 per cent higher than three years ago.
To best rising costs and for a free Funeral Plan quote click here: https://www.saveonlife.uk/golden-charter/
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2543006/The-rising-cost-dying-Average-funeral-costs-7-600-thousands-struggling-afford-fitting-send-off.html#ixzz3zs4bhY8Y
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