Earlier on this week The Orkney News reported on the funding of training courses for Third sector organisations by the Scottish Government into supporting people in funeral planning. Support with Funeral Planning

The Scottish Government is also hoping to increase the number of people who will be able to apply for assistance with the payment of funeral expenses.

There is a public consultation to gauge the views of the public on this. You can participate by following the link.

Consultation on Funeral Expense Assistance

Funeral Expense Assistance (FEA) is one of the new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament and will be implemented next year.

“Funeral Expense Assistance will provide a one off payment to support people on low income benefits who need to pay for a funeral. This is intended to reduce the burden of debt they may face and so help to tackle funeral poverty.”

It is thought that an extra 2,000 people will be entitled to the revised support.

Jeane Freeman, Social Security Minister  in the Scottish Government said:

 “Arranging a funeral can be a daunting, stressful and painful process and if you are struggling financially it can make matters even worse. By extending eligibility we will reach more people who would have previously received nothing under the UK government system.

 “We are taking action to support more people who are struggling with these costs and will invest more than £3 million each year, over and above the existing funding that will be transferred from the UK Government.

 ” I am keen to hear from as many people as possible during this consultation so we can continue to build a service that treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.”