The Low-down on Low Cost Funerals

Most people have heard of a ‘pauper’s funeral’, where the local council arranges a simple burial or cremation for someone who has died without the means to pay for a funeral. But did you know there’s also a government-funded scheme in place to help those claiming benefits cover the costs of a funeral? The Funeral Expenses Payment can be used by bereaved families claiming benefits to help pay for anything from the burial or cremation fee to the coffin and flowers.

It was announced earlier this month that the maximum Funeral Expenses Payment will increase by 43% next year, from £700 to £1,000. It’s true that 43% sounds like a hefty increase, but with the average UK funeral now costing over £4,000 that’s still a long way off covering the cost – or is it?

In actual fact, there are much more cost effective options available if budget is a concern, with a simple ‘direct to crematorium’ funeral often being the preferred choice in this case. My prices are clearly stated on this website so the different packages can be easily compared and contrasted, with a simple funeral costing only £1,499. As well as being significantly less than the average UK funeral, this is probably one of the lowest prices in Somerset.

Mind you, you’ll still get the professional care and attention that I give to all the families I come into contact with in my role as a funeral director. My whole approach is about providing the best service I possibly can, to the highest quality standards, regardless of how much the chosen funeral costs.

Some funeral directors may not be interested in assisting with council or HMRC supported funerals, or even low cost funerals for that matter, but that’s not my style at all – I believe everyone is entitled to a respectful send-off and should be treated with dignity, regardless of their financial situation. 

From the outset, I try to get an understanding of what the family wants and needs from the funeral, then we look at the most cost effective options – unlike some funeral companies that will start at the top end of the scale. The family can always opt for something more expensive or unusual if that’s what they want, or what their loved one wanted, and I can tailor any of the packages to suit their wishes or budget. 

For some, as an example, simply realising that they can save a significant amount of money by having the coffin already in place rather than it arriving in a hearse and being carried in by bearers can make a huge difference. 

Or opting for a modest rather than ‘deluxe’ coffin. They don’t always look cheaper either – I remember one lady who said she didn’t want a cheap coffin for her husband, so I gave her a catalogue to look through and in fact the coffin she chose was one of the cheapest!

The most important thing for me, when I’m assisting a bereaved family, is to be able to arrange a funeral that’s within a budget they’ve thought carefully about but that delivers above and beyond what they expect. Just have a look at some of my testimonials and you’ll see that reflected in the feedback I receive.

Regardless of budget, I’m always available to talk about funeral options and costs, or answer any questions that people may have about their own funeral or that of a loved one. If you’re interested in having a chat, with no strings or obligations attached, just give me a call or pop along and see me at Wells Market on a Wednesday.

Rod.