Citizens Advice responds to action on funeral costs

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“People planning a funeral are being exploited at one of the most emotional and stressful times in their lives.

“Huge upfront costs and unclear fees are far too common, with thousands of pounds of ‘extras’ often added to bills. 

“We help hundreds of people each year who come to us unable to understand fees or who simply cannot afford the cost.

“The CMA’s study on funeral prices and services is a positive step, and it’s essential for the authority to take swift action if they find it’s needed.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication  Advice trends .

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.