Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the barriers faced by bereaved families not in receipt of benefits who are unable to meet funeral costs; and whether the Government has considered providing additional support towards funeral costs for those struggling to meet costs.

The Government recognises that some bereaved families who are not in receipt of benefits may face difficulties meeting funeral costs. Funeral Expenses Payment is targeted at those receiving qualifying benefits to ensure support is focused on those most in need.

Bereavement Support Payment may be available to bereaved spouses, civil partners and cohabiting parents and it is not means-tested. This is a contributory, working-age benefit that includes a lump sum, which is often used to help meet funeral costs. We continue to keep the Funeral Expenses Payment and bereavement support under review to ensure they remain effective and sustainable within current budgetary constraints.

Individuals experiencing financial hardship may also wish to contact their local authority to explore what other support may be available. This could be through local authorities' Crisis and Resilience Fund schemes or local welfare assistance. Support is at the discretion of the authority. Local authorities also have a statutory responsibility to arrange a public health funeral where no suitable arrangements have otherwise been made.