In May, our funeral directors, Jonathan Robinson will walk 285 miles from Starbeck to London in order to raise awareness about funeral poverty. His journey will finish at the Houses of Parliament where Jonathon will meet with Kit Malthouse, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Work and Pensions.
The purpose of the journey, which will see the funeral director cover an average of 20 miles on foot each day, is to lobby the Government about the sum of money currently available for funerals. This is because whilst the £700 funeral payment to help families has remained the same for the last 15 years, the cost of a funeral has risen dramatically during this period. According to Fair Funerals campaign figures, the average cost of a burial is now £4,561 and a cremation £3,596 – a marked difference to the amount available to support relatives.
Speaking about the walk, which will take place in front of a hearse for most of the distance, Jonathan has cited several factors behind rising funeral costs. These include, the cost of unleaded petrol, vehicle insurance, vehicle excise duty and timber alongside an increase in the minimum wage. The payment available from the government has not risen in line with these factors, meaning families are often left in distressing situations at an already difficult and traumatic time. He hopes that his walk will raise awareness of the fight against funeral poverty and that the government will reconsider the amount of money available to help families with funeral costs.
Joseph C Roberts are an independent, family run funeral directors. We serve families throughout North and West Yorkshire, with our qualified team of staff being available to talk to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information or to discuss your individuals requirements in confidence, please get in touch when you are ready on 01423 887824.