Researchers in the Department of Social & Policy Science are investigating whether the Government is giving enough financial support to allow everyone to provide a basic funeral for their loved ones.
Academics from the Centre for Death & Society (CDAS) are examining the current Funeral Payment Scheme to find out if it is enough to cover the costs of a funeral.
The Funeral Payment Scheme is part of the Government’s Social Fund, which supports the poor and vulnerable who cannot afford the costs of some necessities.
The National Association of Funeral Directors is currently lobbying Parliament for a review of the scheme, stating that the amount available to claimants has not increased with inflation and is now inadequate for a basic funeral.
To date, very little information has been collated and documented regarding the scheme, despite concerns being raised about the feasibility of other aspects of the Social Fund, such as winter fuel payments and maternity grants.
Now the researchers are building on this by investigating the processes and experiences of applying to the scheme from those who have been both successful and unsuccessful in their applications.
People are being recruited from around the UK to take part in a series of interviews which will form the basis for part of the study.
Dr Kate Woodthorpe, the project’s leading researcher, said: “In an age of austerity where challenging economic conditions are plunging more people into poverty and, with the UK death rate due to rise over the next 20 years, this is an area which requires immediate attention.
“We aim to provide evidence to policy makers and stakeholders in regards to the difficulties people face when it comes to paying for a funeral after a loved one has died.
“Changes are planned to the current Social Fund as part of the Welfare Reform Bill, currently working its way through the House of Lords, and it is our hope that this research can inform and guide local authorities when addressing these changes.”
Previous research by the National Audit Office found that by 2030 there will be an extra 100,000 people dying a year and that around 35 per cent of people in Britain have no will or savings.
The team will be talking to Funeral Directors and agencies including Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Bereavement Advice Centre, Quaker Social Action and Age UK to understand how the system currently works for them, and how they would like to see things change.
A further part of the research will look at how other countries around the world manage and fund funerals for those on low incomes.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with Sun Life Direct.
A full report will be launched in Dying Matters week, 14-18 May 2012.
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