‘Pauper’s funerals’ soar by 50% in two years as people can no longer afford to die

The number of taxpayer-funded ‘pauper’s funerals’ has risen by nearly 50% in two years as friends and family can no longer afford to pay for a service.

The funerals are now known as ‘Public Health Funerals’ and are funded by local authorities, according to the Mirror.

The deceased is given a simple early-morning service, and is then usually cremated or buried in a communal grave.

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A Freedom of Information request showed that such funerals had increased by 47% from 2011 to 2015 – rising from 1,769 to 2,609.

Lib Dem MP John Pugh said, ‘Funeral poverty is often overlooked, but at a time when incomes are falling we need to make sure families have the help and support they need.’

‘Paupers’ funerals are gut-wrenching. At a time when people are grieving and vulnerable, they have to worry about debts.’

A government grant to cover funeral costs for hard-up families has been frozen at £700 since 2003 – meaning many families struggle to afford even a basic private funeral.