Helping with Funeral Costs in the UK

11/11/2025 32 min Temporada 4 Episodio 1

Listen "Helping with Funeral Costs in the UK"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, we’re tackling an important — and often difficult — topic: the rising cost of funerals. According to Sun Life’s 2025 Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of dying has reached nearly £9,800, with a typical funeral alone costing between £4,000 and £5,000. For many families, that’s an enormous financial burden at an already emotional time.We’ll be asking the key questions: Why are funerals becoming so expensive? What help is actually available for those who are struggling? And how can families plan a meaningful farewell without losing dignity or compassion?We’ll look at the Funeral Expenses Payment and Bereavement Support Payment — two key forms of government assistance — and discuss how effective they really are. We’ll also explore the growing number of Public Health Funerals, where local councils step in when no one else can pay, and ask whether these services are truly dignified enough.Along the way, we’ll highlight the role of charities, churches, and community funds offering much-needed support, and talk about the rise of direct cremations, which are reshaping how many people choose to say goodbye.Finally, we’ll reflect on the ethics and emotions behind funeral costs: should funerals be subsidised, just like healthcare, since death is inevitable? And how do we balance affordability with respect and remembrance?Join us as we explore what can be done to make funerals more affordable, transparent, and humane for everyone.This is Just Talk Funeral — open, honest conversations about life, loss, and the way we say farewell.