The cost of a modest funeral jumped 5.3% to £4,510 last year, SunLife’s latest Cost of Dying Report said. When teamed with a memorial, catering, venue hire and flowers, total spending on the average funeral rose to £5,140. “The Government must act now to ensure the wellbeing of bereaved people facing unaffordable funeral costs.”Recommended reading:What is the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment? It's worth noting the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment - a government scheme to help people on low incomes who are responsible for arranging a funeral. Who is Eligible for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment?

Source: The Herald January 07, 2026 09:03 UTC