Rising Funeral Costs: What Havering Families Need to Know

Bereaved families in Havering are paying far more than they should for funerals, according to new national research highlighting the growing financial strain placed on people at one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Consumer expert Martyn James, writing in his report The High Cost of Loss, revealed that some families in the UK are being charged as much as £1,300 more for comparable funeral services simply because they were unaware of their options or did not receive timely advice. With funeral affordability already a pressing concern for many Havering households, the findings have struck a chord locally.

A growing problem

James notes that a quarter of people in the UK experience the death of someone close each year, yet many unknowingly overpay due to a lack of transparent pricing and impartial guidance. In a borough like Havering, where the cost of living continues to rise sharply, an unexpected funeral bill can push families into serious hardship.

But the financial strain does not end there. Around 8 million working-age adults suffer bereavement annually, with an estimated 5% leaving work within six months. Nationally, grief-related workplace absence costs the economy £22.9 billion per year. In Havering, where residents often juggle commuting, caring responsibilities and rising costs, the ripple effects can be particularly severe.

Clear gaps in support

James argues that bereaved families need clearer, earlier access to independent advice. He calls for:

• A simple referral system through NHS services, hospices, care homes and community organisations
• Greater transparency and consistency around funeral pricing
• Mandatory licensing and regulation of all funeral directors

Havering resident, Jason Ghous, founder and CEO of FuneralExperts.com, reinforces the importance of proper support:

“Not only is it morally and ethically right to help people access support during bereavement, but it also makes clear economic sense. We all have a role to play in making sure no one has to go through this alone.”

What Havering residents can do

The research highlights several practical steps for local families:

1. Shop around.
   Funeral prices can vary dramatically between providers. Independent Havering-based funeral directors may offer more competitive rates than larger national chains.
2. Ask for itemised costs.
   Under CMA rules, funeral directors must publish standard pricing. Residents should request this before making commitments.
3. Seek impartial support early.
   Services such as Funeral Experts and local charities can offer guidance before decisions become urgent.
4. Talk about wishes in advance.
   Only one in five people have planned or saved for their own funeral. Families benefit greatly when these discussions happen earlier.
5. Look after wider wellbeing.
   Bereavement can lead to missed work, emotional strain and financial disruption. Havering’s community networks, libraries, charities and council services may be able to help.
6. Encourage better local collaboration.
   The research urges hospitals, care homes, community groups and funeral services to work together, ensuring bereaved families know where to turn.

Jason Ghous adds:

“Whether it’s councils, NHS trusts or family members, we must work together to ensure no resident faces bereavement alone or without clear, fair advice.”

A call for awareness

For families in Havering, The High Cost of Loss serves as a reminder that grief has both emotional and financial consequences — and that with clearer information, better conversations and stronger local networks, families can avoid unnecessary pressure at life’s hardest moments.

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