Health Select Committee Report Fails To Address Real Issues In Funeral Debt

The Funeral Directors Association says calls from advocacy group, Death without Debt, to simplify cremation paperwork is distracting Government from the real issues around funeral debt.

The Health Select Committee has now released a report on cremation costs and associated matters, finding the current process and regulations create a barrier for people who want to organise their own funerals.

However Chief Executive, Gillian Boyes, notes the Select Committee recognised it is already possible for people to complete the paperwork directly, recommending the Te Hokinga ā Wairua | End of Life Service website includes links on its website.

“We’re incredibly frustrated this advocacy group has suggested making paperwork easier to find will somehow fix funeral debt,” says Ms Boyes.

“Completing paperwork is a fraction of the cost of funeral services. What does cost is what people want and need, which is the support in caring for them and their loved one when they’re at a moment in life where they often can’t think straight and where paperwork is the least of their concerns. That is the service funeral directors provide.”

Ms Boyes says the industry’s own submission to the Health Select Committee recommended the Government should instead focus on:

1. Price transparency in law for all funeral directors. Currently only Funeral Directors Association members are obligated by their Standards and Code of Ethics to be transparent.
2. An increase in the asset testing limit for pre-paid funerals from $10,000 to $15,000. This would ensure those with the means to pre-plan are setting aside a more realistic amount which avoids future debt.
3. An increase in the Work and Income Funeral Grant. This would better protect those with no money for the essential services funeral directors provide.

“Government has to be realistic that when services are provided privately, there is cost involved.

“We think putting in place better consumer protection, with a backstop of genuine Government support for the most vulnerable is going to have far more impact on funeral debt than simplifying paperwork.”

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