For Information on
SAIF National Bereavement Awareness
click on the appropriate button

American Life has gained considerable media coverage out of the publishing of a recent survey. At the time of issuing this statement it has not been possible to check the validity of the research, although it has been publicly acknowledged by the authors that the survey was based on a tiny number of funeral directors.

Concerned that the public are being potentially misled by such research Mervyn Pilley, CEO of the National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors states:

 ‘Surveys that focus on substantial increases in the ‘cost of dying’ over recent years tend to ignore the very important fact that the majority of these costs are outside of the control of funeral directors.

In recent years there have been substantial increases, often considerably in excess of inflation, in the cost of purchasing a grave and the fees levied by cemeteries or crematoria. These and other third party items are known as disbursements and are paid by the funeral director on behalf of the client.

The cost of disbursements can vary dramatically throughout the UK and your local funeral director will be pleased to advise the cost of applicable in their area.

The choice of coffin, which is totally a matter of personal choice for the client to make, will also considerably affect the average price quoted by surveys.

In reality the ‘professional fee’ element of the cost charged by the funeral director has in most cases only risen in line with inflation.

‘We are pleased that the recent survey noted the ‘invariably professional and sympathetic attitude from funeral directors’. We know that our members operate in a totally professional way with an absolute commitment to serving their clients at all times. Whilst we acknowledge that a funeral is arranged at a difficult time for families, we do not believe that this fact has any influence at all on pricing. Under the strict code of practice that our members operate under, total price transparency is essential at all times during the arranging of the funeral. Any variations between initial quotes and final costs being explained clearly to the client by the member.’

Funeral directors share the public’s concern over the cost of funeral arrangements and many recommend funeral planning as away of making provision for the rising costs. Over 550,000 people in the UK have now purchased a pre-paid funeral plan.

Editors
The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors is a Trade Association representing independent funeral directors throughout the UK

For further details contact
Mervyn Pilley 0845 230 6777
John Weir 01634 373111

Back to press releases