Funeral provider Simplicity Cremations is urging Brits to check the fine print when booking funeral plans to avoid being transported miles away and stored in mega mortuaries. The company says families should not have to accept care far from home or lose control over where the cremation takes place simply to keep costs down.
Three questions to ask your funeral provider
Simplicity Cremations says some providers are transporting bodies hundreds of miles to be stored in mass mortuaries. The company is encouraging anyone buying a funeral plan to ask three simple questions:
- Where will my loved one or I be cared for, and how close is that to home?
- Will my loved one or I have a say in which crematorium is used?
- Is there an option for my family to say goodbye?
For those who already have a funeral plan in place, Simplicity is urging people to ask their provider the same questions. They are also advising people to check whether the arrangements still reflect their wishes, particularly regarding local care, choice of crematorium and the chance for family to say goodbye.
New plan offers local care and farewell
Simplicity Cremations has launched a new plan called The Simple Celebration, designed with care close to home in mind. It builds on the original direct cremation offering by giving families the chance to gather for a short, personal farewell. The plan includes a separate 20-minute, family-led celebration with the coffin present, for up to 25 guests, with music, readings and tributes.
Through the Life Services Group's network of 545 funeral directors, 200 care centres and 45 crematoria, families also keep care close to home and have a choice of crematorium.
Research shows demand for more choice
The launch follows findings from Simplicity's Great British Send-Off Report, which found that 71% of Brits want more choice than the two options most people know: an unattended direct cremation or a full traditional funeral. The research found that a third (33%) would choose a short, family-led celebration such as Simplicity's new plan, over a traditional funeral (24%) or an unattended direct cremation (19%).
As part of the Life Services Group, Simplicity Cremations claims to have access to one of the UK's largest crematorium networks, allowing it to oversee every part of the process and provide care close to home.
Zack Sullivan, Managing Director of Simplicity Cremations, said: "Direct cremation helped make funerals more affordable. Its next chapter should give people more control. Affordability shouldn't come at the expense of choice, connection or the chance to say goodbye. Some people want an unattended cremation, and that choice should be respected."
"Others want a few people together, a favourite song and the chance to say something about the person they love. The Simple Celebration gives them that without losing local care."
He added: "Someone may spend their whole life in one community. Their final journey should still feel connected to it. These are the details that matter most when someone dies, so they should be clear when the plan is bought, not discovered when it's needed."
