The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are set to review the funeral market to help ensure consumers do not get a bad deal.
Due to examine the extent of information on both service and price delivered by funeral directors, the study will assess whether the current market place provides enough clarity to enable the public to select the most suitable choice for them.
In addition, it will also assess how prices have evolved and the various issue which impact them.
Running parallel to the study, HM Treasury are also launching a separate Call for Evidence on the pre-paid funeral sector regulation. As such, this will not be included in the scope of the CMA’s review.
Commenting on the launch of the study was Senior Director of Markets at the Competition and Markets Authority, Daniel Gordon. He said:
“People can understandably be very emotionally vulnerable when planning a funeral. We therefore think it is important that – at what can be a particularly challenging time – the process is made as easy as possible. As part of this study, we want to ensure that people can at least receive clear information on prices and the services making up a funeral, and that people get a fair deal on the cremation fees charged.”
Those who wish to share their views on issues raised in the statement of scope are encouraged to do so by June 28. Information on how do so can be accessed here.
In 6 months time, an interim report will be published displaying the initial findings and views of possible remedies.
The CMA states that should any issues of particular concern emerge, further action may be taken.
One Response
It will be an interesting outcome. The SWW are due to post a brief survey soon for our own independent research. We’d be happy to work with the CMA in any research or discussions. For those individuals that are intetested, the SWW have the CEO for the FPA coming to our conference in October. It should be a very engaging session and the SWW are looking forward to it.