AN MP is to investigate reports families are being hit with “hidden costs” after taking out pre-paid funeral plans.
Concerns have been raised over mis-selling of pay now die later plans by some undertakers.
It has been claimed some families are put under pressure to buy over-priced plans with unscrupulous operators profiting at the expense of less well-off families.
Stewart McDonald Glasgow South SNP MP has started a survey to gather people’s experience of the funeral industry and pre-paid plans.
Mr McDonald said concerns over firms going out of business or bereaved families left with extra costs have been raised.
He said: “Funeral plans can be a very effective way of planning for the future and ensuring that an otherwise costly and difficult time goes that little bit smoother for relatives and friends.
“Whilst very many funeral plan providers operate with very high standards there is unfortunately little that individuals and family members can do should the worst happen and a provider goes bust or there are hidden fees that haven’t been planned for.”
He said the results of the survey will inform how to improve transparency in the pre-paid funeral plan industry.
The MP added: “In the first instance, the Competitions and Markets Authority must consider looking at the marketing and sale of funeral plans as part of any potential CMA investigation into pre-paid plans.
“I encourage anyone who has had experience of such plans to take part in my survey to help provide greater clarity in the pre-paid funeral plan industry, which will ensure that consumers are no longer left out of pocket.”
The survey can be found on the MP’s website https://www.stewartmcdonald.scot/
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