Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department has taken to support people who bought funeral plans from Safe Hands Plans in the context of the closure of that business; and if he will undertake a review of the reasons for the closure of Safe Hands Plans.

In January 2021, the government legislated to bring all pre-paid funeral plan providers and intermediaries within the regulatory remit of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This will ensure that, for the first time, consumers are protected by compulsory and robust regulation.

Safe Hands Plans went into administration in March 2022. The government understands that this will be concerning for customers of Safe Hands and continues to monitor the implementation of regulation in this sector closely.

Dignity’s recent commitment to provide ongoing support to Safe Hands’ customers until November 2022 is welcome. This will ensure that any planholders who pass away during this time will receive a funeral without any additional charge.

The administration process for Safe Hands is an ongoing legal process under the general control of court. This process may provide further information about what has happened at the firm, and the government awaits the outcome with interest.