Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations made by the Work and Pensions Committee in its report of 23 March 2016 on support for the bereaved.

As set out in the Government response to the Work and Pensions Select Committee’s report on support for the bereaved, we are working closely with the funeral industry in order to improve communications and guidance to help bereaved people understand the eligibility criteria and apply for Funeral Expenses Payments. Later this autumn we will be introducing an improved and shorter application form.