News

June 2021 saw the publication of the Competition and Markets Authority’s Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021 (‘CMA Order’). 

Whilst we are pleased to see the Order will enforce some form of price transparency and standardized pricing, we believe that funeral directors can do more to provide complete pricing information to their potential clients.

Along with others from Quaker Social Action, the Down to Earth team attended a fascinating training session with the England Illegal Money Lending Team, highlighting the prevalence of loan sharks – illegal money lenders.

From Thursday 1st April 2021, the Welsh Government will contribute £500 towards funeral costs for children under the age of 18.

The need for price transparency does not stop at prices on websites.  It extends to clients knowing what costs they agree to when they make the funeral arrangements.

The NAFD Code of Practice Principles requires that its members “treat your clients and prospective clients fairly, with respect and dignity, keeping in mind that some may be vulnerable” and “after taking instructions, you promptly provide your client with a clear printed or written itemised estimate that clearly states why each charge is included”.

In February, we were delighted to write an article about the Fair Funerals pledge 2021 for the British Institute of Funeral Directors newsletter. Readers may have been surprised to learn that, according to Royal London's latest report, funeral poverty for 2020 stood at £82.7million.