Written question asked by Chris Pond (Labour) on Monday, 6 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 March 2000. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 13 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will estimate the cost of increasing the amount allowable for funeral expenses under the Social Fund to (a) £800 and (b) £1,000. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Pond: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of increasing the amount allowable for funeral expenses under the Social Fund to (a) £800 and (b) £1,000. [113632] Angela Eagle: The Social Fund Funeral Payment scheme aims to cover the reasonable cost of a simple, dignified funeral. Therefore, under current legislation, where an eligible person is deemed to have good reason for taking responsibility for funeral expenses, the scheme allows for the fees levied by the burial authorities and crematoria (in so far as it is necessary to incur them), specified travel expenses and up to £600 for any other funeral expenses. If this £600 for other funeral expenses were to be increased to £800 or £1,000, it is estimated that the net programme expenditure would increase by £7.4 million and £12.8 million respectively.

Secondary information