Advertisement
Social Justice

Scottish government launches new benefit for funeral poverty

Ministers at Holyrood have a new 10-point plan to help families struggling with the rising costs of arranging a funeral

Many families are left struggling with debt after burying a loved one, with funeral costs spiralling up to several thousands of pounds.

The Scottish Government has announced a new 10-point plan to tackle funeral poverty, including a new Funeral Expense Assistance benefit available to families by the summer of 2019.

We know funeral costs can push people into poverty

The plans will also include a funeral bond pilot scheme allowing people to save towards the costs. And consumer protection of funeral plans will also be strengthened by ministers.

The basic costs of burial rose 8% to £1,373 in Scotland last year, according to Citizens Advice Scotland. And a recent study by Citizens Advice bureau in Stirling found a spike in so-called “paupers’ funerals” – no-frills burials arranged by the state – costing councils in Scotland £500,000 last year.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those who need it most following a bereavement,” said Equalities Minister Angela Constance.

“We know funeral costs can push people into poverty – and often it is those already in financial hardship who face increased difficulties,” she added.

Advertisement
Advertisement

We are taking decisive action to tackle this growing issue

“That is why we are taking decisive action to tackle this growing issue and have engaged with local authorities, the funeral sector and other support services.

“I am pleased by the willingness to work together to find solutions that support more affordable funerals.”

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

Read All
'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say
woman in supermarket
Cost of living crisis

'Back to cost of living crisis': Households will be £770 worse off by next UK election, experts say

Buffer zones outside abortion clinics are step in right direction – but other problems persist
Abortion

Buffer zones outside abortion clinics are step in right direction – but other problems persist

'Where will it stop?': DWP to get 'direct access to bank accounts' in benefit fraud crackdown
rachel reeves' autumn budget
Benefit fraud

'Where will it stop?': DWP to get 'direct access to bank accounts' in benefit fraud crackdown

'Disturbing' disability benefit reforms in Labour's budget could see hundreds of thousands denied help
rachel reeves
Autumn budget

'Disturbing' disability benefit reforms in Labour's budget could see hundreds of thousands denied help

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue