§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the maximum funeral benefit available to claimants or families in receipt of benefits such as income support in(a) 1979, (b) 1985, (c) 1990 and (d) when it was last uprated. [3735]
§ Mr. Roger EvansIn each of these years, the maximum amount payable would have been the reasonable cost of specified essential expenses which fell to be met by the person responsible. There was no set maximum amount. Since 5 June 1995, the social fund funeral payment scheme allows up to £500 for specified funeral directors' services, the payment of reasonable costs for other specified disbursements and up to £25 for flowers. Payments may still exceed £1,000, especially in the case of burials. The £500 and £25 caps will be kept under review.