Westminster committee launches inquiry into 'funeral poverty'

An inquiry into "funeral poverty" and the benefits available to people who lose someone they were financially dependent on has been launched by MPs.

The Work and Pensions Committee said its members have heard from constituents who were denied their relatives' ashes because they were unable to pay for the funeral.

The committee pointed to figures showing the cost to local councils of so-called "paupers' funerals" has risen by almost 30% to £1.7 million in the past four years.%VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-debt-advice%

It wants to hear more about people's experiences of funerals and the costs involved. Submissions should be received by January 5.

The committee wants to find out more about the impact on families and people when they cannot meet the cost of a funeral for a relative or friend, and also how funeral homes and directors are affected when the cost cannot be met.

The Government provides social fund payments to help people unable to pay for funerals, but these are paid in retrospect and do not necessarily cover the full costs, it said.

The Widowed Parents Allowance, to help a parent left to raise a child or children alone, is only available to parents who were married and people may be unaware that bereavement support is available, the committee said.

Committee member Emma Lewell-Buck said: "Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we face in our lives.

"As the costs of funerals have risen out of pace with financial support, more and more people are faced with the prospect of funeral poverty.

"Over 100,000 people are living with average funeral debt of £1,318. The committee will be looking at what can be done to better support people at times when they are particularly vulnerable."