Member Article

North East cuts back on the cost of dying

In a story which is a bit morbid for a Friday, but highlights an effect of the recession which has received little attention so far, it turns out that North East residents are spending 24% less on funerals than last year, according to a survey.

Research by Sun Life Direct has revealed that the cost of dying in the North East has fallen as residents have started to undertake tasks including the wake and the administration of the estate themselves.

In order to keep costs to a minimum 37% of people in the region are asking friends and family to cater for the wake, with over half (55%) choosing to administer the estate themselves rather than enlisting professional help.

In comparison to other regions, the North East spends just £1,734 on additional funeral services which is the smallest amount spent, in contrast to Londoners who spend over £3,000.

Cost-conscious North Easterners have also reduced the amount spent on venues from £191 to £102, with around 39% of people choosing to hold the wake at home.

Mark Howes, Managing Director, Sun Life Direct, said: “In these tough economic times having to cope with the costs associated with dying can be difficult for some. Most people in the North East are prepared but as costs continue to rise across the UK (this year by 6%), far above the rate of inflation, it will soon become increasingly difficult to be able to cover the costs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .