Lifting the burden of death certification fees

We've all experienced that moment, when an older relative exclaims that they won't be here for long and the profound discomfort that moment affords.
Death is an uncomfortable subject, and rightly so. To be supported by the ones that we love is a profound human need and to contemplate a time without them is something many of us choose not to do.
Few of us would relish the chance to hold an open conversation about what is yet to pass, yet "funeral poverty" is of increasing concern to policymakers as rising costs push more and more people into debt.
The national funeral funding shortfall now stands at a record level of around £131 million, so it's a matter that we simply can't afford to ignore.
At Age Scotland Enterprises we're starting to see a shift in attitudes with more people willing to confront the practicalities of taking matters into their own hands and planning ahead. While a sensitive matter, taking steps to plan ahead can be a very positive and life-affirming process.
In 2014 the average cost of a funeral in Scotland was £3,240 - this number still surprises many people. This cost is set to rise year-on-year.
New law makes funeral planning easier, writes Logan Steele, General Manager of Age Scotland Enterprises.

We've all experienced that moment, when an older relative exclaims that they won't be here for long and the profound discomfort that moment affords.

Death is an uncomfortable subject, and rightly so. To be supported by the ones that we love is a profound human need and to contemplate a time without them is something many of us choose not to do.

Few of us would relish the chance to hold an open conversation about what is yet to pass, yet "funeral poverty" is of increasing concern to policymakers as rising costs push more and more people into debt.

The national funeral funding shortfall now stands at a record level of around £131 million, so it's a matter that we simply can't afford to ignore.

At Age Scotland Enterprises we're starting to see a shift in attitudes with more people willing to confront the practicalities of taking matters into their own hands and planning ahead. While a sensitive matter, taking steps to plan ahead can be a very positive and life-affirming process.

In 2014 the average cost of a funeral in Scotland was £3,240 - this number still surprises many people. This cost is set to rise year-on-year...

Read the full story on the Scotsman website