Hi

In Barnsley the Social Fund Grant for a funeral doesn’t cover the cost of a basic funeral. In fact, it falls a few hundred pounds short. While looking at what can and what cannot be covered by the grant I came across Commissioners Decision R (IS) 10/04.

In this, it hints that in some parts of the country the cremation authority provided a coffin, the cost of which can be covered under Reg 7A(2)(b)(i) as “fees” rather then Reg 7A(2)(g).

My question is:
Do you work in an authority where the crematorium provides a coffin as part of their service and if so, is it included in the crematorium charges as fees. If so, how does it work?

Its not just in Barnsley - here in South London too and presumably all round the country it is impossible to buy a funeral for the £700 awarded by the Social Fund. The cheapest around here are at least £200 more than this and this basic price does not cover charges for a minister to take the service, cars to take any family members to the service, flowers. Most people view these as an essential part of the funeral and therefore end up paying far more than the basic. Visits to view the deceased are also extra.

Most funeral directors insist that the shortfall at least is paid up front before they will agree to take the funeral on - so people are forced to find quick ways to borrow this money.

If there is a way to get round this - yes please. It is despicable that becuase a loved one dies you inevitably end up several £100s in debt on benefit incomes.