New consumer advice website will help public make better funeral choice

Independent funeral directors across the UK
have developed a new consumer advice website to help the public better
understand the funeral process and avoid falling victim to rogue operators.

FuneralAdvice.org has been created by the
National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and is in
response to consumer research last year by the Competition and Markets
Authority, which highlighted a lack of public awareness about options.

The aim of the site is to provide information
about funerals in a non-promotional way which gives the public the knowledge it
needs to make informed choices, in addition to signposting to aftercare and
bereavement support groups.

Often a distress purchase, funerals are bought
at a time when people are in an extreme emotional state and are ill-equipped to
make decisions about spending significant amounts of money.

Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, said: “The aim of FuneralAdvice.org is to act as an impartial hub with simple, non-promotional information as well as a signpost service to other organisations that might be of assistance.”

FuneralAdvice.org has been designed in a way which follows the funeral process, across five accessible sections:

1. ‘Arranging a Funeral’ covers topics including what to do when someone dies, funeral choices, coffins, vehicles, direct cremations and DIY funerals.
2. ‘Choosing a Funeral Director’ talks about shopping around, trade associations, care of the deceased and funeral plans.
3. ‘The Day of the Funeral’ lets people know what to expect when a funeral happens.
4. ‘After the Funeral’ talks about paying the funeral bill, complaints and family donations. 
5. ‘Further information’ includes links to other organisations dedicated to providing support to bereaved people, including emotional and financial.