Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Alexander Stafford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 April 2023. It was answered by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 April 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Funerals

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that funeral companies make their complaints policies and procedures clear to all customers.

Answer

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives consumers rights to redress and refunds including when businesses cancel services that have been agreed.

The Competition and Markets Authority recently carried out a market investigation into the funerals sector to ensure these rules were being observed. They have issued guidance to businesses in the sector on their obligations to consumers. Details can be found at: https://competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk/2023/01/27/helping-businesses-comply-with-the-funerals-order/.

Consumers can seek free advice on their rights from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/). The Financial Conduct Authority regulates prepaid funeral plans. Details can be found at: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-regulation-boosts-consumer-protection-funeral-plans-market.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
176720
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Complaints Funerals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk