Funeral costs have been rising in the UK for the last decade. The average cost of a funeral has increased over the last 10 years. A survey in 2014 stated that costs associated with a traditional funeral have increased by as much as 75%.
Many local authorities have increased their cremation and burial charges. This increase means that a simple funeral can cost as much as £3500. In nearby Birmingham here is some information on the scale of charges…
Birmingham Charges for Burial & Cremation
Death is not something that we like to think about but it cannot be ignored. According to a Sun Life Direct report, burial fees have risen by 69% and cremation fees by 51% in the last 6 years. The costs now standing at £3,914 for burials and £2,998 for cremation. Their research goes on to assert that they believe funeral costs will keep rising until 2018.
Sun Life Direct want people to take out insurance to cover funeral costs but facts cannot be ignored. If you add other items like flowers, probate, memorial headstones the costs increase again. The cost of dying is rising faster than inflation, now at an average cost of around £7,500.
The lack of capacity in some cemeteries, particularly in cities, has exacerbated the problem. Recent estimates suggest that by 2019 all 130 cemeteries in London will have run out of capacity. This shortage – and the fact that councils have had large budget cuts – is pushing up burial fees.
One proposed solution is to allow the re-use of existing graves that are over 100 years old. This will create “double-decker” graves. The existing remains are further down. This allows a second new grave to be created above them. This solution is sure to meet with some resistance from families of the person in the older grave.
Approximately 600,000 people die every year and 75% are cremated. The costs for cremation are also rising as there has to be an investment in new filtration systems. This is to stop mercury from dental fillings getting into the atmosphere!
The use of Natural Burial Grounds is increasing but there is a lack of regulation. A good website is www.naturaldeath.org.uk which lists its members. It publishes a code of conduct to ensure the highest standards.
Families do not have to use a funeral director but they do help and guide you through the whole process. A good funeral director can be a great support to a family at what is a sad time and who may be overcome with grief. This is a good website for finding good Independent Funeral Directors – www.saif.org.uk/members-search/
Fitting Farewell offer no solutions or guidance on this issue. It is not our area of expertise but it is an interesting subject. The issue of rising costs raised is discussed by funeral directors we work with, and by private customers. It seems that many of us will need to consider how we will fund our funeral whichever option we choose.