Funeral costs are usually the executor’s first priority. But when we asked people what song they’d like at their send-off, the number one choice was ‘Always Look On the Bright Side of Life’. The average cost of a funeral by burial in the UK currently stands at £4,975, according to Sun Life’s latest Cost of Dying report, while cremations cost £3,858.The average cost of a funeral in London, meanwhile, has reached £5,963. Judith Moran, Director of Quaker Social Action: “Too many people are struggling with funeral costs and, worryingly, funeral related debt is at an all-time high. 38% of funeral directors said they saw a change in 2020 focusing on the cost of the funeral. *Source: Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020. 80% of funeral directors also saw an increase in this more upbeat type of send-off, with 63% saying they saw a drop in the number of religious services. The future of funerals. But the pandemic isn’t the only challenge the industry is facing. The Funeral Expenses Payment . As we’ve just seen, the average cost of a basic funeral is higher than ever before. The cost of a funeral varies throughout the UK. You can find out more about what you can do on the, - Get free trusted guidance and links to direct support, Clear English Award - Opens in a new window, Money manager for Universal Credit claimants, Workplace pensions contribution calculator, The National Association of Funeral Directors, The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, Good Funeral Guide’s list of recommended companies, Claiming bereavement support payment and other benefits, How much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay, We can’t separate money worries from our mental health, What to do when someone dies and leaves a will, Sorting out the estate when there isn’t a will, When to use a probate solicitor or specialist, Calculating and paying tax after someone dies, What to do about someone’s pension when they've died, Dealing with the debts of someone who has died, Dealing with finances and insurance after your partner dies, If your baby has died shortly after birth. However, there are a variety of low cost ways to have a ceremony, such as having it at home. The ‘cost of dying’ figure is the total cost of a person’s funeral – including professional fees, the funeral service, and optional extras like the wake or gathering. A funeral director can help make it easier for you to arrange a funeral, giving you time to grieve. One of the most dramatic changes this year is the fall in professional fees, which have gone down 8.1% since 2019 – but they still make up 27.5% of the total cost of dying. A cremation is usually going to cost less than a burial. We’ve updated the previous years’ figures to reflect this change in our calculation. Arranging a funeral yourself (without a funeral director), Direct cremation is offered by some companies - where the body is collected from a mortuary during normal working hours and cremated at a convenient time. Funeral costs have increased by 3.4% over the past year, but the price of a direct cremation - meaning without a funeral service - fell by 5% to £1,626. However, this is a small rise compared to previous years. With a cremation, the average basic funeral costs £3,885 (up 0.7%). Others also pointed out that more people are choosing simpler, affordable send-offs like a direct cremation. Some might not provide direct cremations. These are extra charges for cremating or burying a person who didn’t live in the district or borough. 25% used a credit card, and another 25% borrowed money from someone they knew. Our total average cost for a funeral in 2019 was £3,986 including our fees and third party costs. The cost of providing a decent send-off for a loved one comes with a heavy financial – and emotional – burden. So don’t be shy – ask your family what music they’d like at their funeral, and tell them what you’d like at yours. Choose a funeral that is affordable and is right for the person who has died. Add +44 7701 342744 to your Whatsapp and send us a message. With the cost of dying higher than ever, and with COVID-19 changing how we say goodbye to our loved ones, it’s important to talk about our funeral wishes – and to get a financial plan in place, whether it’s a funeral plan, life insurance or savings. Perhaps this is why ‘Amazing Grace’ was the most popular song to be played at a funeral in 2020. It can be hard to talk about death and funerals with our loved ones. Use these sites to find a local funeral director. The average cost of a funeral within the UK is £3,784. *Source: Some of the data in this article is based on the annual SunLife Cost of Dying report 2020, and the Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020. The Direct Funeral option includes the disbursements stated. They now make up 27.3% of the total cost of dying. But that doesn’t mean we can’t give our loved ones a personal, appropriate send-off. To find out how much a funeral will cost at your local Co-op funeral home, use our funeral cost calculator. The COVID-19 pandemic has made saying goodbye to our loved ones especially hard. With a basic funeral now costing an average of £4,800, many families are being forced to look at alternative ways to cover the costs. The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,417 according to recent research done by SunLife, with the average cost of a burial being £4,975 and the average cost of a cremation slightly less at £3,858. 41% of funeral directors said COVID-19 had an impact on the funeral industry, as they “must keep adapting and changing”. How much will funerals cost in the future? If you’re worried about the cost of a funeral, or think that you might struggle to pay for it, read our article Help paying for a funeral for some advice. Funeral debt can hinder the grieving process, and for many people the debt they take on may take months or even years to pay off.”. Please 62% of people who organised a funeral recently said they’ve started to think about their own. (This includes the funeral, plus professional fees and send-off costs), +0.8% How much the cost of dying has risen between 2019 and 2020. 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Once again, we’ve seen a rise in the average cost of dying. Pay for it using funds from the bank account of the person who died. Make sure you check more than one site as the prices will vary and none are whole of market, so results vary by sites. We asked them what the difficulties of organising a funeral during a pandemic are. We promise not to overdo it, and you can ask us to stop at any time. If you’re using a funeral director, they are likely to manage this payment for you, but they’ll probably ask for this money up front. How much does a funeral cost? Many people choose to use a funeral director and they can give helpful guidance. This cost can vary quite a bit, depending on location and the funeral arrangements. enquiries@maps.org.uk. 53% of people tried to cut back and keep funeral costs down in 2020, with 8% saying they felt they spent money they didn’t need to. 41% of funeral directors said they saw a change in 2020 focusing on music and readings. The funeral costs come with a specific limit. If price is a concern, you should ask your local funeral director if they offer a simple funeral or a direct cremation. wood, wicker, cardboard), Their preferred venue for the wake or post-funeral gathering, No, I did not know any of the preferences. If you would prefer to arrange the funeral yourself, the following article offers a step-by-step guide to organising a simple cremation. We will normally respond to your enquiry within 48 hours of receipt. Burial is generally much more expensive than cremation. But it is possible to have a meaningful funeral for a lot less. Find out more about direct cremations on page 19 of our report. The average cost of burial across the UK is £1,698. The main reason why the cost of dying is so high is a rise in funeral costs. You should check the quote they give before you agree to use them. The cost of a funeral depends on the choices you make and where in the UK the funeral is arranged. For example, the price of a coffin can be as little as £100 to as much as £10,000. That’s up by 1.2% in the last year. The average cost, before optional items like flowers and catering, is around £3,989, although this can vary a lot depending on the type of funeral chosen. So it could be worth putting financial plans in place today, such as over 50s life insurance or a funeral plan. Or you could even arrange the funeral yourself. Following on from 2019, the celebration of life trend continued into 2020. The funeral director’s fees can be the most expensive part of a funeral, in many cases making up between 50-66% of the costs.*. Of those who knew their wishes, 65% had been told face-to-face, 18% were told by family and friends, and 17% found out from the will. More expensive options don’t make a better funeral. So, shop around and check whether the company offers a reasonable price for covering your area. Welcome to the UK’s longest-running study into the cost of dying and funeral costs over the last 16 years. How much does a funeral cost? This will include savings, property, and any other assets. At SunLife, we’ve been researching funeral costs since 2004. There are many things to think about and decide when arranging a funeral. There are other costs that can make up the cost of a funeral. Millions of Brits have run up unexpected debts – covering the cost of a family member’s funeral. You usually need to collect them, but some might deliver for a charge. a bank), Applied for a subsidy from government or local authority (Funeral Payment Expenses), Asked the funeral director to use fewer pall bearers, Whether their loved one wanted a burial or a cremation, If they wanted a religious or non-religious service, The location of their preferred cemetery or burial-ground, Whether they wanted their ashes scattered, interred or disposed, Which type of coffin or casket (e.g. You should also ask if the cemetery has ‘non-resident charges’. 82% said the funeral they organised was affected a lot by COVID-19, 33% described the funeral they organised as a direct cremation, 71% said that not everyone who wanted to attend the funeral could, due to social distancing guidelines, 86% said there were things they couldn't do or had to cut back on - most commonly catering, limousines and venue hire, 34% said the funeral caused them notable financial concerns. Use our guide to find out what to do after someone dies and help covering costs if you're on a low income. There is sometimes a big price difference in having a funeral in one crematorium or cemetery to another just a few miles apart. If someone is buried the average cost of a funeral is approximately £4,975*, whereas a … The burial fee usually covers the lease of a burial plot, and the digging and filling of the grave. For example, doctor’s fees to certify the death, a member of the clergy to perform the funeral service, or an officiant to lead a non-religious service. The average cost of a funeral and burial is $7,360, according to the latest data from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). If you get a vault — required by many cemeteries — that number rises to $8,755.The average cost of a funeral and cremation is a little lower: $6,260. Co-op Funeralcare now offers a Simple Funeral for a fixed fee of £1,895 in England and Wales, and £1,995 in Northern Ireland. You can receive financial assistance from numerous sources, including government assistance and charitable grants. 769427. 21% of funeral directors said they saw a change in 2020 focusing on the attendees. However, the rate of increase appears to be slowing down. After the funeral, you’ll receive an invoice to be paid within 21 days. The CMA found that people typically spent between £3,000 and £5,000 organising a funeral, with the average price of the core elements now standing at … You could also use the Funeral Choice website to compare the price of your local funeral directors. But how much is a funeral going to cost the average person? Sorry, web chat is currently offline, our opening hours are. 1Our average funeral cost is now weighted by the proportion of burials and cremations in the UK. In 2020, less than 1% of people knew all their loved ones’ funeral wishes – and 17% didn’t know any of their wishes at all. Direct cremations saw an increase of 11% between 2019-2020 and February to July 2020 (during lockdown) 14% vs 25% (+11%). The Funeral Expenses Payment is where the government gives certain benefits to people from where they can pay for the funeral. If you’re in England or Wales, you could try these national providers: Or use these sites below to find a local provider. You should also consider using a local independent funeral director. Almost all funeral directors (97%) say they’ve been affected by the pandemic, but only 54% say they’ve felt supported by the government. To give a consistent comparison of funeral costs over time, we’ve updated the previous years’ figures to reflect this change in our calculation. Call around and get at least two quotes before you choose one that’s best for you. For information on how we’ll use your data please see our Privacy Notice. internet browsers with JavaScript. Funeral costs in the UK 27 August 2020 The average cost for a funeral in the UK in 2019 was £4,202 2. There’s usually no viewing or ceremony beforehand, or a limousine for the family and mourners. But these items can quickly add up depending on what you pick. You can find out more about how to keep this cost down in our article ‘ How much does a funeral cost? That way, we can give them the send-off they deserve. You might wish to think carefully about whether these items and services are needed in the funeral. Collection and care of the deceased, a basic coffin, hearse and managing a simple service; but does not include an elaborate ceremony. You may be arranging a funeral while coping with grief and feeling you must act quickly, and with little or no recent experience. Registered in England and Wales, number 05460862. There’s also a fee to use the crematorium to cremate the body. The costs of a funeral come from the deceased person’s estate. Other useful information National Association of Funeral Directors. Cremations saw a decrease of 3% between 2019-2020 and February to July 2020 (during lockdown) 59% vs 48.5% (-3%). Take the money back from the estate later on, after assets and property are sold. Get at least two quotes, perhaps from an independent funeral director and one from a chain. But remember they are a business and their fees can be the most expensive part of a funeral. Collection of the deceased, a simple coffin, and return of ashes. They’ll also ensure the necessary forms for cremation or burial are completed, and some will also arrange a simple ceremony as part of their fee. outdated So, it’s good idea to check both your local and surrounding areas to compare the cost and find the best one for you. Government legislation resulting in families not being able to grieve together, Misleading and disorganised guidance for funeral directors, Not being able to support bereaved families face-to-face, Job losses will mean people opt for simpler funerals, Paperwork will go digital, as it’s more hygienic and efficient, Direct cremations will continue to gain popularity. It is sometimes known as a ‘cremation without a ceremony’. Our general email address is When we asked for tips on how to cut funeral costs, funeral directors and people who had organised a send-off gave similar advice: Funerals have changed a lot in the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if the person doesn’t have any assets, it’s a bit more complicated. I also includes cremation fees and minister fees. Need help sorting out your debts, have credit questions or want pensions guidance? The average funeral cost UK depends on several factors. Also includes cremation fees, and fee for cremation certificate from a doctor. Even if you don’t mind what happens, writing it down can be a big help to your next of kin. They’re usually cheaper than a national chain. In the report, we look at how funerals have changed this year – including the impact of COVID-19, the types of funerals being chosen and the changing trends in funerals. **Source: Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020. You are using an A send-off is the added optional extras that can make a funeral more personal to the deceased and their loved ones. To put things into perspective, this is a rise of 3.4% on last year, 23% over the past five years, and up 130% since 2004, when they started tracking funeral costs. 49% of funeral directors said the biggest change they saw in 2020 was the use of social media invitations in place of newspaper notices. Sorry, web chat is only available on 26% were burials, and 14% were direct cremations. A good way to take some of the pressure out of organising a funeral is to talk about what your loved ones want. For example, you could have a ‘direct cremation’, which costs about £1,500, and then organise a ceremony at home. It’s unlikely that the person who has died would want you to get yourself into debt to pay for the funeral or fees stressed about the finances. SunLife Limited, registered office: 1 Wythall Green Way, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6WG, United Kingdom. However, the number of direct cremations increased by 11% during February to July, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you find yourself struggling to pay for a funeral, you can read our Help with funeral costs article for more guidance. You can find more information about optional funeral costs on the Funeral Costs Helpopens in new window website. uk .uk is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United… And if you wish to have the ashes afterwards, make sure you request them. Although the average cost of a funeral is just over £4,000, funeral costs vary depending on the type of service you choose. If you use a funeral director, they’ll collect, store, prepare and deliver the body to the cemetery or crematorium. The actual cost of a funeral will depend on where you live in the UK, any extra elements you choose to include, and whether you choose a burial or cremation for your loved one. They’ll also provide a coffin, hearse and usually a limousine. But there are some ways to further reduce the cost of a funeral regardless of these choices: For more ways to reduce the cost of a funeral, visit the Down to Earth and Natural Death Centre websites. The most common answers were: When we asked funeral directors how they think the COVID-19 pandemic will affect funerals in the future, they said: 65% of people made provisions specifically to pay for their funeral – up by 2% since 2019. Writing you wishes down and sharing it with those who may organise it can ensure things that matter to you happen. You shouldn’t just pick the first one you find. There is no need to feel pressured to spend a lot of money or get yourself into debt, just to show your affection and respect. This is normally paid every year. It can also reduce some of the anxiety of organising a funeral as many decisions will have already been made. Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed. How much is a funeral cost UK? 11% of funeral directors said they saw no changes or trends in 2020. This brings the total cost of a direct cremation to £1,700. If funeral costs keep rising at the same rate, the average funeral could cost £6,206 by 2028 3. Tel: 0121 711 1343 Fax: 0121 711 1351 E-mail: info@nafd.org.uk Website: www.nafd.org.uk There are many items and services that you can add to a funeral. If you’re using a funeral director to arrange the funeral, the third party costs are sometimes included in their funeral package. For example, quotes in London can vary as much as £2,315. As you may expect, London is the most expensive area when it comes to paying for a funeral however other regions are rising at a faster rate.. The government has assigned an amount which is able to cover the cost of the burial along with the traveling. *Source: Some of the data in this article is based on the annual SunLife Cost of Dying report 2020. UK funeral costs by region. The average cost of burial also varies between nations of the UK: in England it is £1,862, in Scotland it is £1,650 and in Wales it is £1,686. How to pay for the funeral . Northern Ireland is the cheapest region for burial, at £543. The most common is that people are using social media sites like Facebook to invite people to the service. While the average cost of a basic UK funeral is at an all-time high, it’s actually even higher when we look at the cost of a basic funeral with a burial – £5,033. If you require any past reports, please get in touch with our media contact. That’s 0.8% up since the previous year, and a rise of 39% in the last decade. More about what to do if you need help with the cost of a funeral on GOV.UK. Burials saw an increase of 3% between 2019-2020 and February to July 2020 (during lockdown) 26% vs 26.5% (+3%). It depends on whether you opt for a burial or cremation. On average, the cost for a burial is £4,383, whilst the average cost for a cremation is £3,290. Basic funeral costs include the fees for the cremation or burial, doctor, funeral director, and minister or celebrant. You can do an online search for ‘direct cremation’ in your area. 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