Thank you for contacting me about the costs of children's funerals. There are few issues as tragic, or rightly invoke so much sympathy, as the death of a child. I have occasionally come across these circumstances as a constituency MP and in looking into these issues as a member of the select committee on Work and Pensions. Every case is tragic.
I understand that a number of local authorities already choose to waive fees for children's funerals. As democratically elected organisations, however, they are independent of central Government and have to balance many conflicting priorities, it is a choice which they have to make.
There is a role that central government can play, which is why the Department for Work and Pensions operates the Social Fund Funeral Payment scheme that you mention. This continues to provide valuable help for people in receipt of a qualifying benefit. With an average award in 2015-16 of £1,410, the scheme is making a real contribution to the funeral costs of those who need it. Indeed, the average award has increased by 27 per cent since 2006.
The scheme meets the full necessary costs of a cremation or burial. Other costs, such as the coffin, and church and funeral directors' fees, are limited to a maximum scheme payment of £700. There is, however, no restriction on the type of funeral expenses that can be claimed under this category.
Through my work on the select committee I did come to recognise that funeral directors take different approaches and I also recognise that they have costs which they need to meet – even though many go out of their way to assist families in these horrendous circumstances. I am pleased that the Minister is restarting a round table group with the funeral industry and bereavement charities, because it is important that the Government secures a better understanding of how the industry works, and what more can be done to help. I believe more could be done to share best practice and I will be following the progress of these discussions carefully.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
