Irish Low-Income Families Struggle with Funeral Costs

The British Institute of Funeral Directors stated that the grant system must change in order to help those who are too financially disadvantaged to pay for funerals. Therefore they have urged Northern Ireland political parties to help improve funding.

Northern Ireland chairman Ian Milne said current grants were "insufficient to cover the rising costs of funerals, burial and cremations and need to be increased".

"Furthermore, the legislation is unclear about who is responsible for the burial of a person who dies without any assets and that legislation should be reviewed immediately."

Mr. Milne, who administers funeral direction and assistance in Portadown, County Armagh, admits that when there was a death it was a very sensitive time for families and individuals.

Mr. Milne also states that, "Our members are empathetic to that. But their empathy is tempered by the fact that they are running businesses which provide a vital public service.”

Mr. Milne also strongly believes it is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland that precision is brought to this situation through revised legislation and improved guidance.

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