Thomas Baldwin reports on the Church of Scotland response to government action on poverty caused by funeral costs.

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THE Church of Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a 10-point plan to tackle funeral poverty.

The plan will create a funeral expense assistance benefit and a social innovation fund to help people in poverty cover funeral expenses, as well as creating opportunities for people to save for their funerals, according to the announcement from Angela Constance, the Scottish Government’s Equalities Secretary.

The Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, Secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council, said: “The Church of Scotland warmly welcomes the 10-point plan set out by the Scottish Government.

“Over recent years we have consistently spoken out against the growing scandal of funeral poverty. Every week, ministers in all parts of Scotland spend time with families who are not only grieving the death of a person that they love but are also worried about how they will pay the funeral costs.

“It is unacceptable that families are being forced in to debt by the rising cost of funerals – a cost for which many local authorities and funeral directors must take responsibility.

“We renew our call to the Scottish and Westminster Governments to ensure that the funding available allows those experiencing funeral poverty to receive support at a level sufficient to make a real difference.

“We invite the Scottish government to make a determined effort to ensure that the postcode lottery of burial and cremation charges ends and that charges are set at a level that enables a service to be provided without crippling those experiencing poverty at a most difficult time in their life.

“We welcome the steps which the Scottish Government have announced today and will continue to work with them to end funeral poverty.”

Among the Government’s proposals are the launch of a new funeral expense assistance benefit; the publication of guidance on funeral costs and improvement of advice on funeral planning; the strengthening of consumer protection in relation to funeral plans; and the piloting of a funeral bond which will give people more options when saving for their funeral.

Ms Constance said: “The death of a loved one is an incredibly difficult time for anyone. It can be even harder when money is tight. We know funeral costs can push people into poverty – and often it is those already in financial hardship who face increased difficulties.

“That is why we are taking decisive action to tackle this growing issue and have engaged with local authorities, the funeral sector and other support services. I am pleased by the willingness to work together to find solutions that support more affordable funerals.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those who need it most following a bereavement, which is why we will introduce a new Funeral Expense Assistance from summer 2019.”

The church has been campaigning on the issue of funeral poverty for several years.

The cost of a funeral has spiralled since the millennium. In 2014, Citizens Advice Scotland reported that there had been an increase of 7% year on year since 2004, and since then there have been further increases. CAS also reported that between 2012 and 2016 it saw an 83% rise in the number of people seeking advice because they were struggling to afford funeral costs.