Written question asked by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 July 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Friday, 19 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his estimate is of the cost of an average funeral; what the value is of the funeral grant; what items it covers; and he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the cost of an average funeral; what the value is of the funeral grant; what items it covers; and he will make a statement. [67596] Malcolm Wicks: We are committed to providing a payment for a respectful funeral to people receiving income-related benefits or tax credits who have good rea son for organising the funeral. Social Fund Funeral Pay ments provide help with necessary funeral charges; the items covered are set out in regulation 7 of the Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Regu lations 1987, as amended, which are available in the Library. In addition, up to £600 is allowed for other funeral expenses. This gives the person arranging the funeral the freedom to select the items or services they consider appropriate. Funeral arrangements vary widely in expense and type across the country and it is not possible to price an aver age funeral. However, the average Funeral Payment award in 2000-2001 was £892. We keep the level of support provided to people with funeral costs under review.

Secondary information