§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the range of average costs in England of the most economy-conscious funeral, using the most up-to-date figures available, and the average cost, if different, against which a death grant of £50 has been determined; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFuneral costs vary widely according to locality and other factors. However, it is estimated that, on average, costs are in the range £250–£300. When the death grant was increased to its current level of £30—not £50—in 1967, the estimated average cost of funerals was between £80 and £90. Then, as now, there was no requirement to relate the level of the death grant to the cost of funerals. We have for some time been considering the whole question of the death grant and we shall make an announcement about our conclusions as soon as possible.