Lanarkshire families struggling to pay for rising funeral costs according to official stats

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The cost of burying a loved one in Lanarkshire has been laid bare by damning new statistics. A total of 1,750 Funeral Support Payments totalling over £3.25 million have been made in North Lanarkshire to help pay towards the costs of a funeral, according to the latest official statistics since the payments were launched.

In the 2022/23 financial year, 535 payments were given to people from North Lanarkshire and 455 from South Lanarkshire - that’s the second and third highest in Scotland behind Glasgow City.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment is available to people who get Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral.Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “When low income families are struggling to deal with a bereavement, the last thing they need, particularly during this cost of living crisis is to face the added worry of paying for the costs of a funeral.“The Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment can give eligible people the financial support they need during a difficult time in their lives.“I would urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply and to remember that people can apply up to six months after the funeral of their family member, friend or loved one.”The