§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has received the Social Security Advisory Committee's report on his proposals for changes to the social fund funeral payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [19209]
§ Mr. Roger EvansWe are now considering the Social Security Advisory Committee's report. On the basis of the recommendations in it, we propose to introduce a social fund funeral payments scheme which specifies necessary disbursements and covers their reasonable costs. We are also proposing a ceiling on the amount payable for funeral directors' charges. The precise specification of the eligible funeral directors' charges is currently under discussion with interested outside organisations. We will lay the SSAC report before the House along with our detailed response and the necessary amending regulations in due course. In the meantime, the current social fund provision for help with a simple dignified funeral for people in receipt of a qualifying benefit will remain in force.