Written question asked by Tony Worthington (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 January 1996. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he will list the levels of state assistance available to meet funeral expenses. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the levels of state assistance available to meet funeral expenses. [6058] Mr. Mitchell: The social fund funeral payment scheme covers all reasonable costs of burial and cremation disbursements and in addition allows up to £500 for the funeral director's services, up to £75 because of a requirement of the religious faith of the deceased and up to £25 for flowers from the person arranging the funeral. Everyone who is entitled to help with arranging a funeral through the social fund is able to choose either a burial or cremation. Payments can, especially in the case of burials, exceed £1,000. Local authorities in England and Wales have a duty under section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of any person who has died or been found dead in their area where it appears to the authority that no suitable arrangements for the disposal of the body have been made. Similar provision applies in Scotland under section 50 of the National Assistance Act 1948.

Secondary information