Low-cost community funerals introduced

Liverpool City Council has partnered with three funeral directors to offer a new low-cost service.

It has been introduced due to increasing numbers of people struggling with the cost of organising a dignified send off for loved ones.

Over the last couple of years there has been an increase in the cost of funerals and the amount of families requiring assistance, and Liverpool City Council has been working closely with local directors to address funeral poverty across the city.

The community funeral costs up to £1,000 and for that fee the funeral director will:

• Collect the deceased
• Provide an oak casket, or similar, with an engraved nameplate, interior and handles
• Keep the deceased in the chapel of rest
• Arrange and supervise the funeral service

Assistant Mayor for fairness and tackling poverty, Councillor Jane Corbett, said: “A combination of austerity and welfare reforms are making it harder and harder for grieving relatives to give their nearest and dearest the type of final farewell that they would wish to see.

“What we don’t want is people having the stress and worry of going into a lot of debt at a time when they are already feeling emotional and upset.

“That is why we have teamed up with local funeral directors who are offering a community funeral at a much lower cost.

“These funerals are open to absolutely anybody who wants them, regardless of how much money or savings they have.”

It does not include the following costs:

• Burial fee – £1,860 for a new grave (£840 if family-owned)
• Cremation fee – £855
• Medical fee – £164
• Minister or celebrant’s fee – £190 (approx)

Additional fees apply for embalming, limousines, floral tributes and newspaper notices.

The following companies are offering the service:

• Desmond L Bannon Funeral Services
• Debbie Bennett Funeral Directors
• Kane Funeral Services

Managing Director of Desmond L Bannon Funeral Services, Andrew Bannon, said: “As a long-established funeral directors, we are pleased to be offering a low-cost community funeral for residents of Liverpool.

“People always want to give their relatives a fitting send-off but it is really important that there is something to suit families with a range of budgets.”

Contact details for the funeral directors can be found on the Liverpool City Council website at www.liverpool.gov.uk/communityfunerals

Liverpool Waterfront