Increased council burial and cremation costs, 48 per cent higher than last year in one case, has seen the funeral industry publish guidance to help families better understand the options available to help manage the expense of a funeral. Funeral Directors Association chief executive Gillian Boyes says that in addition to increased council costs, her members are faced with growing labour and materials cost increases, as well as compliance costs such as health and safety requirements. “All this ends up increasing the financial burden of a funeral to our families, so we want to support people with information about what typical costs may be and how to have a conversation about options,” Boyes says.
Boyes says families often come to her members concerned about how they will afford a funeral. They may not realise there is not a set price and that the funeral director will work with them to individualise a funeral for their needs. “What we really want to avoid is people thinking they have to resort to what they often call a ‘box and burn’.
“We know spending time with a loved one, remembering them with special words and even physical gestures such as carrying the casket all help people in managing their grief. But there are lots of ways you can do this in a more affordable but still meaningful way.” Boyes says key tips for families working with a funeral director include: Boyes adds that if “shopping around”, families should make sure they are comparing like with l.