Responding to the Department for Work and Pensions announcement that the Funeral Expenses Benefit is to increase from Spring 2020, Louise Eaton-Terry, funeral cost expert at Royal London, said:
“While the cost of funerals has risen over the years, the Government’s benefit to help with funeral costs has remained at £700 for 16 years. Having tirelessly campaigned on this issue, we welcome the news that the Funeral Expenses Payment benefit is set to rise. However, with bereaved families borrowing almost £2,000 to pay for a loved one’s funeral, more needs to be done to tackle funeral poverty. This is only the tip of the iceberg - the Government must, at the very least, commit to annual increases of the benefit if it really wants to have an impact.”
About Royal London:
Royal London is the largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company in the UK, with assets under management of £139 billion, 8.6 million policies in force and 4,348 employees. Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2020.
For further information please contact:
Meera Khanna, Corporate PR Manager - Protection
- Email: Meera.Khanna@royallondon.com
- Tel: 02032 725129
- Mob: 079191 70502