§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to paragraph 5.22 of the Budget report (HC 500), whether they know what percentage of undertakers provide a funeral service costing less than £700; and, if so, what is the percentage. [HL2562]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamWe are committed to providing payment for a respectful funeral to people receiving income-related benefits or tax credits who have a good reason for organising the funeral.
88WASocial Fund funeral payments cover in full the cost of certain necessary, specified charges including fees levied by burial authorities and crematoria. An additional sum is also allowed for other funeral expenses which gives the person arranging the funeral the freedom to select the items or services they consider appropriate. This additional sum, previously up to £600, was increased to a maximum of £700 from 7 April, as announced by my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Report.
The department does not collect information on the cost of individual funeral services.