| South Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards Service praised funeral directors this week following a check of businesses in the area.
Despite criticism in the last few years from the Office of Fair Trading for the national sector, in South Ayrshire at least the funeral directors were providing all the correct information that consumers need at a time when they are naturally at their most upset and vulnerable. This included accurate price lists and catalogues available to take away, written estimates prior to the contract being formed, and clear statements about who actually owns the business and whether they are members of trade associations.
Most people will unfortunately have to arrange a funeral at some time in their life. Around £800 million is spent annually on funeral services and a typical funeral may cost anywhere around £1,000 and £2,500 in the UK. Also, given our ageing population, potentially vulnerable older people are more commonly facing the stress of arranging a funeral. Under these circumstances consumers can be reluctant or unable to shop around. Getting the correct information from funeral directors at the right time becomes vital.
The Office of Fair Trading has in the past highlighted a number of criticisms of the sector. These included:
- A lack of pricing displays and price lists available for consumers to shop around
- A lack of clear information about who owns the business or whether they offer protection under a Trade Association
- Failures to provide detailed estimates to consumers
- ‘Tying in’ consumers to their service through their contracts with Local Authorities and the police (for example in the case of a ‘sudden death’).
Commenting on the findings, Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of the Community Safety Committee said, “This is very encouraging news, consumers will no doubt be at their most stressed and vulnerable when arranging a funeral and given the emotional factors involved the natural tendency in such circumstances is not to shop around or ask questions about the quality and price of the service.
This could be either through grief, or the notion that to do so would somehow be disrespectful to the deceased. There is a lot of loyalty within the sector and many customers use the same funeral director that has handled their family’s business in the past. Also, not everyone wants to shop around when arranging a funeral and they are very grateful for these compassionate professionals who can ease their burden by taking care of everything.”
Councillor Hunter added, “These visits have shown that the sector is working well in terms of the information it provides to customers who have suffered a loss, allowing them to make an informed decision about this important service.”
Anyone wishing advice about goods and services should contact:
Trading Standards
5-7 River Terrace
Ayr
KA8 0BJ
Email – cabac@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
01292 616060 or visit the website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
February 2006 |
