Day: March 8, 2025

100,000 grieving families in financial difficulty left to cover £240m funeral bill

The cost of a simple, attended funeral has risen 3.5% in a year to £4,285 according to the 21st annual SunLife Cost of Dying report

  • 68% of people leave money behind to pay for their funeral, but only 38% leave enough – this lack of provision means that, on average, families are left to cover a shortfall of £1,695 – across the UK that’s almost £1bn
  • For 1 in 5 bereaved families – around 100,000 across the UK – covering this cost causes ‘notable financial concerns’
  • The shortfall for this group is higher at £2,370 – creating a total unpaid funeral debt of £240m which they are being forced to take on debt, ask loved ones for money, and even sell their belongings to cover
  • 75% say paying for a funeral impacted their mental health, while 60% said it impacted their physical health

The rising cost of funerals, combined with the fact only 1 in 3 people put enough provision in place to pay for them, is leaving some families with debt and impacting their mental and physical wellbeing, according to the 21st edition of the SunLife Cost of Dying Report.

The UK’s longest running report into funeral costs has found that the cost of a simple, attended funeral1 has risen 3.5% in a year to £4,285, while an unattended cremation (also known as a direct cremation) has risen 6.7% to £1,597.

The report also shows that while two thirds (68%) of people do make provisions to pay for their own funeral, only 38% leave enough to cover the whole cost. This lack of provision means that, on average, families are left to cover a shortfall of £1,695. 

While it is sometimes possible to release money from the deceased’s bank accounts for funeral costs before probate has taken place, a third of families are still left to cover at least some of the costs themselves, with 10% taking on debt to do so.

Cost of living crisis impacting families’ ability to cover funeral costs

According to SunLife’s findings, 33% of people who recently organised a funeral say the cost-of-living crisis impacted how they organised and paid for it. One in eight (13%) say they had to cut back on certain aspects of the funeral because they couldn’t afford it, and 10% say the cost of living crisis added an extra layer of stress.

One in five (22%) said paying for the funeral impacted their own standard of living, including 8% who had to cut back on essential items and 6% who struggled to pay essential bills.

1 in 5 suffer ‘notable’ financial difficulties paying for a funeral – and are struggling with £240m of funeral debt

The study also shows that for one in five (18%) families, having to find the money to pay for a loved ones’ funeral caused notable financial difficulties. This group have to find an average of £2,370 to cover the cost.

A quarter of those with notable financial concern report struggling to pay essential bills or rent, and 34% have to cut back on essential items such as food.  To make up the shortfall, one in four (24%) use a credit card, and 12% take out a loan to cover the cost. On average, this group take on £3,109 of debt.

A further one in four (23%) borrow from a friend or relative, while one in five (19%) sell belongings to cover the cost.

3 in 4 (75%) say paying for a funeral impacted their mental health, while 60% said it impacted their physical health. For some, costs may be recouped from the deceased’s estate once it has been administered. But, as a funeral typically takes place before probate, families may still be left struggling to cover the cost in the short term.

Mark Screeton, CEO at SunLife said: “Funeral costs have risen dramatically in the 21 years we’ve been tracking them. Back in 2004, the average cost of a simple, attended funeral was £1,835. Today, it stands at £4,285 – a staggering 134% increase, far outpacing inflation over the same period.

Couple this with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the fact that many people don’t leave enough provision to cover their funeral – or even share their preferences – and you have a situation where grieving families can be left struggling with debt at an already difficult time.

“Most of us have an idea of what we’d like for our own funeral, but we rarely communicate it. Our study shows just half of funeral organisers know whether loved ones wanted a burial or cremation, while other preferences are even less known. And with over £1,000 difference in cost between the two options, this can bring an extra layer of financial pressure when loved ones are worrying about ‘getting it right’.

“One of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones is to open up and plan ahead. We need to break the stigma around talking about death, start discussing the kind of send-off we want, and where we expect the money to come from. By doing so, we can spare our families unnecessary financial and emotional stress when the time comes.

“SunLife has a great free tool called My Perfect Send Off, which walks you through various funeral options and lets you record your preferences (or even lack thereof). You can then download and keep your wishes, or share them with a loved one.”

Read the full summary webpage and download SunLife’s comprehensive 2025 Cost of Dying PDF report at www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2025Download

Support for women in conflict resolution

First Minister marks International Women’s Day

First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in conflict resolution, as Scotland marks International Women’s Day.

The First Minister confirmed the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme will receive continued Scottish Government funding as part of a new £400,000 programme to support peacebuilding organisations in Scotland.

Delivered by Scotland-based NGO Beyond Borders and the University of Edinburgh Law School, the Fellowship has trained more than 360 women peacebuilders from 40 conflict-affected countries across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America since 2017.

It is named after the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland has a proud history of championing peace, democracy, and human rights. On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to international peacebuilding and ensuring women have a central role in that process.

“We know when women are involved in peace processes, the outcomes are fairer and longer lasting. Ensuring women’s participation is therefore not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable peace.

“That is why I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government is extending its support for the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme.

“At a time of heightened global conflict – and when investments in overseas aid are being cut elsewhere – Scotland is proud to support the role of women in international peacebuilding efforts and sharing our values of democracy and devolution to help others build lasting, peaceful societies.”

Mark Muller Stuart KC, Founder and Director of Beyond Borders Scotland, said: “Beyond Borders Scotland is delighted to have secured renewed funding for the world-renowned Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme which is about to enter its 10th year and has done so much to support women’s presence within peace processes around the globe.

“The Scottish Government’s announcement of this exciting award on International Women’s Day is a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of women peacemakers and builders working around the world to help their communities emerge from conflict as well an appropriate celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ground-breaking passing of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 calling for greater women’s participation in peace processes.”

Professor Jo Shaw, Head of Edinburgh Law School, said: “At a time when armed conflicts are becoming more complex, the University of Edinburgh welcomes the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive peacebuilding.

“Globally, women are disproportionately affected by conflict and often denied full roles in local, national, and international peacebuilding efforts.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Women in Conflict Fellows and Scottish peacebuilding community to increase the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding, and to amplify the voices of Scotland-based actors in international conflict resolution. We thank the Scottish Government for taking the initiative and supporting this important work.”