Draft guidance on funeral costs consultation: analysis of responses

Footnotes

1. The term 'lair' was seen as potentially being particularly confusing to people living outside of Scotland, as it was noted to be a uniquely Scottish term.

2. The same may also be true of some cremation authorities who do not openly advertise that they are privately owned crematoria and use the locality as a name, it was suggested.

3. The same respondent urged that, where ashes are to be handed back to a funeral director or family, the ashes should be in a suitable container within a card and paper bag because some people found the use of plastic bags distressing.

4. Importantly, one organisation stressed that this definition was no longer in use and had been removed from the NAFD Code of Practice because of various limitations, similar to those expressed in relation to the proposed definition, e.g. potential discrimination against religious and faith groups, stigma/risk of causing offence to families, problems with interpretation, etc.

5. One respondent specifically highlighted that green burials for those who do not wish traditional funerals, or who wish personal family involvement are not mentioned in the guidance and the government needed to ensure it covered the wishes and preferences of all members of the public.

6. One organisation suggested that the definition would be better located in the glossary of terms, rather than in the main guidance.

7. The same organisation noted that they believed this provision was also likely to be part of the new statutory code of practice, when published.

8. This was a minority view, with most considering the mandatory provision of information as standard to be a welcomed measure.

9. One individual specifically commented that differentiating charges to be applied in relation to children compared to adults would be particularly welcomed.

10. One organisation disagreed with the proposal specifically on the basis that the FEA benefit should address this need, however, they agreed that local authorities could still play a valuable role in terms of offering information and directing people to sources of funding.

11. The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

12. One respondent stressed that the term 'simple funeral' was derogatory and that, if a differentiation is necessary, the term 'standard' funeral may be more appropriate, representing the start level of services. The word 'basic' must be avoided, it was suggested.