How the South West bucked the trend on funeral costs
The South West region is bucking the national trend when it comes to the cost of funerals with innovative funeral options such as those offered by Bristol Memorial Woodlands helping to keep prices low.
The region saw a 1.6% drop in the cost of a simple attended funeral last year while the average across the whole of the UK saw a 2.5% rise, according to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report.
Christopher Baker, who had the idea for Bristol Memorial Woodlands, where a 100-acre woodland is being created on former farmland, said thinking differently about funeral options was a key to the trend.
“Church yards are finding it difficult to expand across the UK and are often at or close to capacity and we have a growing proportion of the population who are not connected to a church. Crematoria are getting busier and we believe the simple rule of supply and demand is behind prices rising.
“Our concept where we have space for burial and a sustainable plan for the woodland to be managed in the future by a charitable trust is part of the solution. By also providing a venue for a funeral service, facilities for people to scatter or bury ashes and separate faith areas we can cater for everyone and give people their choice at a lower cost.”
Seven areas of the country saw the average cost of funerals rise. The Southwest was one of three areas that saw reductions and at an average of £3,966 is the lowest price in the UK. The most expensive area is London at £5,499.
The SunLife Cost Of Dying Report also revealed that a direct burial, where the deceased is taken straight to a cemetery and buried is cheaper than a direct cremation.
Said Christopher Baker: “Direct burials and cremations are becoming more popular with people choosing to spend the money they save on a more relaxed memorial event for the deceased.
“Again, we have supported this trend by enabling direct burials and providing facilities in our reception rooms where people can celebrate a life but walk in the woods and spend moments of reflection at the place where the person is buried.
“We have a fantastic funeral industry in this region where funeral directors, celebrants and faith leaders work hard on ensuring people get the send-off for their loved ones deserve and desire.
“It is by thinking differently and recognising the changing needs of the population that the region has achieved the accolade of being the most cost-effective place in the UK for a send-off.
The total cost of dying nationally is now £9,797, including funeral, the wake and professional fees in administering a person’s estate. A quarter of people were buried last year.
Bristol Memorial Woodlands, which is just north of the city in South Gloucestershire, is open every day with a mixture of woods, traditional wildflower meadows and glades where people can be buried and loved ones for generations can visit.
For more information about events at Bristol Memorial Woodlands visit www.memorialwoodlands.com, call 01454 414999 or email admin@memorialwoodlands.com
