Overview

This bill aims to improve funeral affordability and transparency in England, Wales, and Scotland. It mandates a review of funeral costs, introduces a standardized "Simple Funeral Service," streamlines Funeral Payment applications, and removes the invoice requirement for these applications.

Description

The bill's key aspects include:

• Review of Funeral Affordability: The Secretary of State must conduct a review of funeral affordability, considering factors like existing state support (Funeral Payments and Budgeting Loans), public health funerals, burial space/crematoria availability, and public awareness of funeral planning.
• Simple Funeral Service: Funeral directors must offer a standardized Simple Funeral Service with a transparent itemized price list, ensuring customers aren't overcharged for individual components.
• Funeral Payment Changes: The bill simplifies the application process for Funeral Payments by removing the need for applicants to provide invoices. A preliminary eligibility check must be provided within two working days of request.
• Regulations and Parliamentary Approval: Regulations implementing the Simple Funeral Service require approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under this Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts due to this Act, will be paid from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Funeral Directors: Required to offer a Simple Funeral Service and provide itemized pricing.
• Applicants for Funeral Payments: Will benefit from a simplified application process and a quicker eligibility check.
• The Public: Will potentially benefit from greater transparency and affordability in funeral costs.
• Parliament: Will need to approve regulations concerning the Simple Funeral Service.

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