Scottish Government launches consultation on guidance to make funeral costs clearer

Funeral - Image credit: PA Images

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on guidance that aims to make funeral costs easier to understand.

The consultation sets out measures that burial authorities, crematoria and funeral directors can take to make funeral costs more transparent and understandable.

The consultation and guidance is part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to tackle funeral poverty.

It published a 10-point plan funeral costs plan in August last year, with a commitment to publish guidance on costs by December 2018.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities Aileen Campbell said: “The loss of a loved one can be one of the most distressing times we will face, an experience that can be made even worse for people who are struggling to pay for a funeral.

“We are committed to tackling funeral poverty in Scotland.

“This guidance is one of a series of actions set out in our Funeral Costs Plan, and today’s launch marks an important step in helping people understand and plan for the costs associated with arranging a funeral.

“While we’re not responsible for the prices set by councils and businesses, we want to encourage funeral directors and burial and cremation authorities to make information more accessible.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this sensitive area to give us their views.”

The consultation runs for 12 weeks until 8 November.