Average cost of a funeral in Scotland rises by 8% in past year

The cost of a funeral has more than doubled in little over a decade (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

THE average cost of a funeral in Scotland has continued to rise, with “huge disparities” persisting between different areas.

A new report from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) shows the basic cost of a burial, excluding undertakers’ fees, is now £1,373, up 8% on last year.

The research found the most expensive council area for burial is Edinburgh (£2,253), with the Western Isles remaining the least pricey (£701).

The cost of a local authority cremation has also risen 11% since last year to an average of £670.

In parts of Scotland where only a private crematorium is available, mourners face fees of on average 15% more than council-run services.

The Scottish Government said a series of discussions would be held this autumn to look at the issue, culminating in a national conference on funeral poverty on November 16 in Edinburgh.

CAS spokesman Fraser Sutherland said: “There are still huge disparities between the prices set by different councils.

“Costs levied by local authorities can increase for a number of reasons, some have made substantial investment in new crematorium or graveyards while others have looked to reduce current subsidies as a result of tighter budgets.

“The additional burden of costs such as funeral directors’ expenses, a wake and flowers make this a significant expense for many low-income families, especially if the bereavement is sudden.”

Mr Sutherland highlighted an 83% rise in people coming to a Citizens Advice Bureau due to struggling with funeral costs since 2012.

Announcing the national conference, Communities Secretary Angela Constance said: “For families who are mourning the loss of a loved one to be faced with mounting debt and distress because of the cost of paying for a funeral is completely unacceptable and I’m determined to address it.

“This national conference will bring together the funeral industry, local authorities and charities to discuss how we can address the rising and disproportionately different costs which are incurred in different parts of the country.

“We know funeral directors want the best for their customers and, as a government, we want to raise awareness of funeral planning.

“Therefore it’s important we make sure all parts of the industry work together to give people a realistic choice when they are making difficult decisions about the funeral of a loved one.”

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on social security powers to be devolved to Scotland, which include funeral payments.

Social security minister Jeane Freeman said: “Our new powers over funeral payments gives us the opportunity to set up a benefit which is simpler to understand, fairer and more streamlined.

“We have already committed to processing applications within 10 working days, allowing people to make better-informed decisions when they are planning a funeral and relieving the stress and anxiety current long delays can cause.

“This will also create more certainty for funeral directors, allowing them to give appropriate advice and potentially eliminating the need to take a deposit from those who make a successful application.”

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