The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) funerals market investigation identified a number of concerns with the sector, including that prices for similar services differed between funeral directors and the way that information was provided made it hard for families to compare prices and choose the right combination of services.
Following a two and a half year investigation into the funeral sector, the CMA has published a set of requirements, in the form of a legally binding Order under the Enterprise Act 2002, that ALL UK funeral businesses must abide by. There are a number of steps all UK funeral firms must now take.
This Order introduces a range of new legal obligations on funeral directors and crematorium operators to tackle the problems identified by the CMA.
See the prices charged by funeral directors, including for the services and products provided by third party suppliers
Be aware of the total cost of the services they may require
Compare providers so they can get the best funeral for their needs and budget
It also requires all funeral directors to highlight their terms of business and information which may indicate that there are any potential conflicts of interest. All funeral directors must display the following information and ensure it is kept up to date:
The Standardised Price List
An Additional Options Price List
Local crematorium operators’ prices
Certain terms of business (for example deposits and late payment of fees)
Certain details relating to interests with other parties (including information about donations) - Disclosure of interests