West Mids funeral director reacts to sustained cost rises
Jennifer Ashe & Son, a leading family-run funeral director in the West Midlands, is encouraging people to talk to their loved ones about funeral planning, as the average cost of a funeral in the region has increased another 2 per cent year-on-year.
The latest data reveals that on average a funeral arrangement and service in the West Midlands now costs £4,233. There’s also been a decrease in the number of people nationally who make provision specifically to pay for their funeral before they pass away, indicating that the cost-of-living crisis is having a direct impact on how funerals are being paid for.
With six branches across the West Midlands and Staffordshire, Jennifer Ashe & Son, in association with Ecclesiastical Planning Services, offers a range of flexible funeral plans designed to help families plan ahead, easing the immediate financial impact of a bereavement.
John Ashe, Managing Director at Jennifer Ashe & Son, said: “January is a time for fresh starts and getting your house in order, and so we usually see a rise in the number of people coming to us to set up their funeral plan in the New Year. Given the upward cost trajectory of almost all products and services, it is no surprise that the cost of funerals continues to rise.
“Faced with a bereavement, the last thing our families want to worry about is whether or not they can afford the funeral they imagined for their loved one. Having a funeral plan not only takes away that stress, it also ensures that the funeral is exactly what the deceased wanted. There’s no, ‘would they want this?’, or, ‘is that the right choice?’, concern.
“Many families tell us that having a funeral plan in place brought them immense comfort. It’s a gift of certainty and peace of mind for those you care about most.
“Our funeral plans help people achieve that security with dignity and care.”
Funeral plans provide a simple, practical way to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance, ensuring your wishes are honoured and shielding loved ones from unexpected costs.
The plans Jennifer Ashe & Son offer give its customers certainty. John added that he and his team understand funeral plans can be a daunting prospect for those who have never set foot in a funeral home. He added: “Funeral planning isn’t just about financial foresight - it’s about ensuring your wishes are respected and removing uncertainty for those you leave behind.
“We’re aware that for many people, the first time they enter one of our branches is often an unexpected or unplanned visit. However, we want the process of choosing a funeral plan to be a simple and straightforward process, even the T&Cs, and we are here to help take you through every step, explaining anything that comes to mind, no matter how silly you think it might sound.”
To discuss a funeral plan with one of the team at Jennifer Ashe & Son, call 01902 937572 or visit one of their branches across the West Midlands and Staffordshire.
