MP highlights 'immense sadness' of 'Pauper's Funerals'

Figures obtained by South Lakes MP Tim Farron show that since 2011 there have been fourteen 'Pauper's Funerals' across Eden and the South Lakes.

Public health funerals, often known as 'Pauper's funerals', are provided where an individual dies alone or their family is not able to pay for a funeral. According to the Money Advice Service, the average funeral costs £3,675.

In South Lakeland, 8 residents were given a public health funeral since 2011. The total cost of providing these funerals came to £7037, with each funeral costing between £620, which was the cheapest, and £1167. Of those who received a public health funeral, 7 of the 8 were aged over 65.

In Eden, there have been 6 public health funerals since 2011, costing a total of £7500. In Eden, 4 of the 6 funerals provided were for residents aged either under 18 or over 65.

Tim said: "Looking at these figures I feel an immense sadness. One of the saddest aspects of public health funerals is that the individual who has died is often not only without money, but without mourners too. Even for many people with families, the unexpected cost of a funeral can be too much for those struggling to make ends meet.

"These figures are also a reminder of the importance of community and the need to be there for our neighbours."