The news has been full of threats and forecasts regarding the forthcoming public sector cuts - a reduction in services and mass redundancies are now, unfortunately, expected.
What may come as some surprise, however, is the effect that this may have on funeral prices. Already costing in the region of £2000 - £3000, these prices are likely to soar by several hundred pounds.
Although not yet decided or at least publicised by many councils, it was reported in a Scottish newspaper that Glasgow City Council is raising the prices of both burials and cremations - burials by £540 and cremations by £348, increasing the revenue stream by approximately another £400,000 each year.
Whilst this is of course appalling news, it means that once renewed prices have been set across England (if a local authority does indeed decide to increase its costs), those who have prepared a Will with money set aside for their funeral, will probably need to revise it, to take into account this increased expense.
For those who don't already have a Will prepared, you may be asking your next of kin to pay out several thousands of pounds to ensure you receive a dignified funeral, something which could have a severe financial impact on those individuals. If you at least state in your Will that you would like to put aside a maximum sum of money from your Estate, your relatives will at least be sure of recompense after your Estate has been settled.
For many people, it is of course uncomfortable to discuss death in the first place, so to talk about where the money is going to come from in order for your wishes for your funeral to be fulfilled, is understandably not at the top of people's favourite list of subjects. However, it is a fact of life that the event will be forthcoming, and, with these price rises staring us in the face, it's time to address the issue and ensure that we won't be causing our loved ones any more distress after we're gone.
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