Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2000. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2000 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, when the assumed cost of a funeral within the Social Fund was last revised. - Including figure.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the assumed cost of a funeral within the Social Fund was last revised. [110898] Angela Eagle: There is no assumed cost of a funeral within the Social Fund Funeral Payment scheme. 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. We do not plan any further reforms in the immediate future but will continue to keep the scheme under review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 344 c787W; 110898
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Costs Funerals Social security benefits Social Fund Funeral payments
Contains statistics: Yes