CMA says funeral operators must make prices clearer
Funeral directors and crematorium operators will need to make their prices more clear to customers or risk court action, the Competition and Markets Authority said on Wednesday.
From 16 September, all funeral directors must display a standardised price list at their premises and on their website. The list must include the headline price of a funeral, the price of the individual items comprising the funeral, and the price of certain additional products and services.
Crematorium operators will also be required to provide specified price information to funeral directors and customers.
From 17 June, funeral directors must not make payments to incentivise hospitals, palliative care services, hospices, care homes or similar institutions to refer customers to a particular funeral director. They are also forbidden from soliciting business through coroner and police contracts.
CMA Panel Inquiry Chair Martin Coleman, said: "Organising a funeral is one of the hardest things that anyone must do, and it is vital that people are treated fairly. Customers need clear information so that they know what they will be charged and are able, if they wish, to compare the prices of different providers.
"As a result of CMA action, funeral providers must ensure that prices and services on offer are clear upfront, so that people can more easily make the choices that are right for them. We urge funeral directors and crematorium operators to start making these changes now. We will be keeping a close eye on the sector and stand ready to take action if firms don’t follow the rules."