A new service has been launched today aiming to provide Coventry residents with a high-quality cost-effective option when choosing their funeral arrangements.
The ambition at Coventry Funeral Service is to keep things simple by streamlining the funeral arrangement process with fully inclusive funeral packages, clear pricing and providing the necessary information for people to make the best decision for their loved one.
The issue of costs and bereavement poverty is well known, not just in Coventry but right across the UK and this is a key driver behind why the service is being launched.
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member, City Services, said:
“The Council is very conscious of the ever-increasing costs associated with funerals and for many people, this cost, which in many cases can be unplanned or predicted, is expensive and may affect a family’s ability to give their loved one a decent funeral.
“Although supporting those in real difficult financial situations was an initial factor, it has been becoming more apparent that many other local people are also having to consider their own financial situations currently, especially with the wider challenges around cost of living.
“This desire to support people for whom costs are a concern, alongside our commitment to offering a service led by a very experienced funeral director and support team, to help people in making the right decisions through clear, transparent pricing, are the key reasons why we’ve set up Coventry Funeral Service.”
A recent national report into funeral costs and picked up by national media, highlighted the average cost of a basic funeral is now around £4,100. This is a 4.7% increase in a year and reflects a staggering 126% increase in the last 20 years.
The report also showed the ‘average total cost of dying’ – which includes burial or cremation fees, funeral director’s costs, a coffin, one funeral vehicle and additional admin/estate fees had reached £9,658.
Another added benefit is that Coventry City Council already runs a crematorium in the city, so is well-versed and extremely knowledgeable in this funeral sector, including funeral industry qualified, experienced staff.
Thomas Fitzpatrick, Funeral Services Manager, for the new service added:
“Due to the direct nature of the services that we offer, we would be looking at helping bereaved families to make funeral arrangements within in the comfort of their home, where a funeral arranger will guide the family through the funeral arranging process.
“Alternatively, funeral arrangements can be made via a video call or at The Lodge Building, Canley Garden Cemetery & Crematorium. The Coventry Funeral Service team are on hand to take your calls and answer any questions that you may have.
“Should a bereaved family wish to visit our facilities at Jackson Road, it will be possible to book a private appointment to do so, as dignity for all those in our care must be paramount in regard to all our activities being undertaken.
“We are really pleased to be open and personally I look forward on behalf of the team, to delivering a service for Coventry residents that will support people to make the best decision for your loved one.”
The website at www.coventryfuneralservice.co.uk carries all the key information on how to get in touch, the range of options available, charges and a standardised price list in addition to a step-by-step guide on what do when somebody dies.
People can also contact the Team at info@coventryfuneralservice.co.uk or by calling 024 7697 7702.