Rising Funeral Costs in the UK Drive Families to Crowdfunding
The UK is witnessing a record surge in funeral costs, compelling an increasing number of bereaved families to seek crowdfunding or liquidate personal belongings to cover bills. According to the latest study by SunLife, the average cost of a basic funeral has reached £4,285 after a 3.5% increase in just one year. This figure represents a staggering 134% rise since 2004, outpacing consumer price inflation, which saw a 75% increase over the same period.
The total "cost of dying," which encompasses funeral expenses, professional fees, and wakes, has also hit a peak at £9,797—up 1.4% from last year. This financial strain affects vulnerable families, many of whom reported depleting savings or borrowing money from friends and family.
The report highlights a notable trend, showing that 6% of families turned to crowdfunding to assist with funeral costs last year, double the rate from 2023. Popular crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, have seen a significant uptick in funeral funding requests, especially in London, which has been identified as the most expensive place for funerals in the UK.
Amidst these financial challenges, the study also revealed a preference among the public regarding funeral arrangements, with 92% expressing specific wishes. Among these, 26% preferred a direct cremation, while 16% opted for a non-religious humanist ceremony, marking a rise from previous years.
SunLife's CEO, Mark Screeton, emphasized the importance of discussing funeral preferences to ease the burden on grieving families left to make difficult decisions.
Weekly Newsletter
News summary by melangenews