Things to know when arranging a funeral
Published 16 September 2021
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Things to know when arranging a funeral
Arranging a funeral can be a difficult and unfamiliar process and, when grieving, funeral options can seem overwhelming and price is often the last thing on our mind. As a result, we don’t think about it in the same way as when we buy other things, and the final cost can often come as a surprise.
The CMA has made changes to the funerals sector to help consumers.
From 16 September 2021, the CMA requires funeral directors and crematorium operators to be clearer about the prices of their products and services to make it easier for you to arrange a funeral that meets your needs and budget.
Funeral directors
A funeral director must clearly display a Standardised Price List in their window, in their premises, and on their website. The Standardised Price List must include:
- the headline price of the CMA Attended Funeral and CMA Unattended Funeral (if they offer unattended funerals);
- the price of the individual items comprising the CMA Attended Funeral; and
- the price of all additional products and services
This will allow you to understand the cost of what they offer and compare the prices of different funeral directors more easily.
A funeral director must also clearly and prominently display their terms of business and certain business and financial interests in their premises and on their website. This will help you to avoid costs that you were unprepared for or unaware of, and to know more about the funeral director’s links with other organisations.
Crematorium operators
Crematorium operators must provide certain price information to funeral directors and display this information in their premises and on their website. This will help you to know the full cost so you can choose the right funeral for your budget.
The information provided to you by funeral directors and crematorium operators will enable you to make the right choices for you and your loved one during difficult times.