An East Midlands-based cost-conscious funeral directors has warned families against using loan sharks to cover funeral expenses amid a cost of living crisis, and has shared advice for those grieving on how best to manage a payment.
This Funeral Poverty Awareness Week, M.A. Mills Funeral Service, which operates funeral homes across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, is encouraging grieving families to speak to its Funeral Arrangers if they are struggling financially, as many are unaware of the support systems which can help.
It comes as the cost of funerals continue to rise alongside the cost of living, with the average now totalling more than £4,000. As a result, more families are left unable to cover these expenses, and turn to illicit routes to fund services.
As widely reported in recent media, thousands of people have borrowed from illegal loan sharks to cover funeral or health‑related costs.
Julia Carty, General Manager at M.A. Mills said: “It’s incredibly saddening that the bereaved are targeted by unlicensed money lenders at what is already such a difficult and vulnerable time. We’d highly advise any family to avoid this route. There’s a range of financial support networks available for families, however, many aren’t aware of what they might be eligible for, or any schemes that funeral directors offer.
“Speaking directly to your chosen funeral directors can help provide clarity and peace of mind that there is help available, because everyone deserves a dignified funeral.”
M.A. Mills also offers a City Funerals scheme for Nottingham City and Derby City residents. This initiative is not means tested and is available to anyone who pays their council tax in either city. It gives the bereaved the option to purchase a subsidised funeral for £1,200 – more than half the cost of its standard attended funeral. It is hoped that the scheme alleviates some of the pressures and concerns.
Various government schemes are in place for the bereaved from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These including Bereavement Support Payment and/or the means tested Funeral Expenses Payment. There is also a Children’s Funeral Fund grant for any family which loses a child under the age of 18.
M.A. Mills also champions transparency around costs, outlining the full expense of a funeral on its websites and funeral home windows, meaning families can be sure they will not face any hidden charges throughout the funeral planning process.
Julia added: “We appreciate that discussions around finances can be difficult for some families, but we want to emphasise that we see numerous families come in with the same worries and we hope that by the time they leave, we have alleviated some of that stress. It’s about making the last journey for the deceased that little bit easier for the bereaved.
“We hope our transparency encourages the communities we serve to feel confident in coming to our Funeral Arrangers to discuss how best we can help them.”
M. A. Mills first opened its doors in 1995 in Radcliffe on Trent. It was acquired by A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service in October 2023 and now operates funeral homes in Allenton, Aspley and Cotmanhay. Built on the same family values and ethos, M.A. Mills offers a streamlined funeral service to communities in the East Midlands. It provides reliable funerals at affordable prices as funeral needs change and develop.
