Funeral costs have risen 3.3% in six months to an average of £4,713, according to new research. The increase of £151 since January means families are paying more for a traditional service. London saw a £188 hike to £5,898, while a "postcode lottery" can see families pay up to £1,634 more depending on their location.
Funeral director fees account for over half the cost
The fee charged by a funeral director now averages 55% of the total cost, making it the most expensive part of a traditional farewell. This is more than half of the £4,713 average.
Regional variations
Costs vary across the UK, from £4,264 in the North East of England to £5,898 in London. Scotland averages £4,718, while the South East and East of England stand at £4,971. The average cost in Wales is £4,272, and in the South West it is £4,490.
Industry response
Ian Atkinson, Marketing Director at Pure Cremation, which specialises in providing "direct" cremations without a formal service or mourners present, said: “Funeral costs have now risen by £151 since the start of the year, with families paying an average of £4,713 for a traditional funeral. At a time when household budgets remain under pressure, every extra pound matters, making it more important than ever that people can easily understand what they'll actually be expected to pay.
“As we compiled this report, it became clear that simply looking at a funeral director's ‘standardised price list' often won't give families the full picture.
“Many funeral directors still include price ranges, ‘price on request' items and additional charges, making it difficult to calculate the final cost in advance.
“Despite the Competition and Markets Authority introducing rules to improve transparency, there is still far too much uncertainty around what is and isn't included in the headline price. That leaves grieving families at risk of unexpected costs at one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“Our research aims to give families a clear, like-for-like comparison of funeral costs in their area, helping them make informed decisions with confidence. It also highlights why more people are choosing simpler alternatives such as direct cremation, which offers a dignified funeral at less than half the average cost of a traditional service.”
Direct cremation as an alternative
Age UK says: "Some funeral directors or individual companies offer direct cremation for a fixed price. It is an option if you do not want an event on the day and family would like time to think about and arrange a commemorative event, or if you would prefer an event at a location other than the crematorium.
"The funeral director arranges collection of the deceased and cremation at a time convenient to the crematorium. Some companies offer family the opportunity to be present at the committal but may charge for this.
"There may be an extra charge to collect the deceased if death occurs outside hospital or involves the coroner. This approach offers a way to reduce costs, as there is no need for a hearse, or limousine for family and mourners, and no ceremony. Your family can have ashes returned to them, although this may incur a fee."
