Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2015 to Question 219706, what criteria he has used to (a) specify the costs which are necessary for a simple, respectful, low-cost funeral and (b) determine the level of those costs.

The Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment provides help towards the cost of funerals for eligible claimants. The amount allowable covers in full the necessary costs, for a burial or cremation. The scheme also provides a significant contribution of up to £700 towards other costs.

Full details about the scheme can be found on the gov.uk website at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/373209/dmgch39.pdf paragraph 39261 onwards.