Social Fund Funeral Payments

HC Deb 17 March 1997 vol 292 cc485-6W

Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to change the provision of social fund funeral payments. [20953]

Mr. Roger Evans

Amending regulations and a copy of the Social Security Advisory Committee's report, along with my response, have been laid before the House today. After having carefully considered the committee's report, we have decided to proceed with the main changes as originally proposed.

The changes will target help more precisely on those most in need. In cases where there is no surviving partner, where a parent, son or daughter of the deceased exists, and neither they nor their partner are in receipt of an income-related benefit, it will be considered unreasonable for someone who is receiving such a benefit to take responsibility for the funeral expenses.

The level of help available will increase and be much easier to understand. The person responsible for arranging the funeral will be free to decide which elements they wish to be included, taking into account the level of help available from the social fund. This includes the choice of either burial or cremation, for which the necessary cost will be met separately. In the case of a burial, this cost alone can exceed £1,500 in some parts of the country.

Where the deceased lived in a remote area of the country, or died away from home, extra help will be available. In addition, up to £600 will be available for other funeral expenses.

The revised scheme aims to balance the needs of someone who has good reason for taking responsibility for arranging a funeral and the taxpayer who has to fund the cost.