In 2020, the overall cost of dying once again increased. It’s now at an all-time high of £9,493, according to SunLife, for a basic funeral, professional fees and a send-off. Over the last 15 years this has increased at almost 6%pa – a rate far higher than inflation.

Because of the rising costs, in recent years it has become increasingly common for people to take out a pre-paid funeral plan. Not only is a plan an easy way to get a funeral arranged, but it also protects those you leave behind from rising costs and uncertainty about any specific final wishes.

But with that rise in demand has come increased concerns about value and outcomes. Without specific legislation, what was covered – and more importantly, what wasn’t – when it came time to pay out was not always as expected.

That’s set to change with new legislation on the way to bring funeral plan providers under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority.