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<p>As the funeral sector is subject to consumer regulation and many crematoriums and
burial plots are the responsibility of local authorities my department cannot influence
funeral costs. However, it does operate the Social Fund Funeral Payment scheme which
continues to provide help towards a simple, respectful, low-cost funeral for those
who are eligible. In 2013/14, over 33,000 awards were made worth £44.4 million, with
an average award of £1,347.</p><p> </p><p>This Government has extended the Budgeting
Loan provision to include funeral expenses. This helps where a deposit is required
up front, or towards the balance of costs that a Social Fund Funeral Payment cannot
meet.</p><p> </p><p>This Government has also introduced the measure whereby any arrears
of benefit, which were due to the deceased at date of death, are disregarded. This
means that such arrears are no longer deducted from the Funeral Payment award.</p>
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