AN INITIATIVE to curb “funeral poverty” by Quaker Social Action charity has been bolstered by the sign-up of the Co-op’s funeral service.

The Fair Funerals campaign says that the cost of funerals has risen 80 per cent in a decade, leaving many people in distress as they struggle to give a loved one a decent send-off.

It asks funeral firms to pledge to offer affordable services with clear prices.

Campaign manager Heather Kennedy said: “When we’re grieving, talking about money is often the last thing we want to do, and calling around different funeral directors to compare costs can seem very daunting.

“So it’s absolutely essential that funeral directors put prices on their websites. Unfortunately most funeral directors don’t do this.”

Leading the way, the Co-op’s Funeralcare business has agreed to display a full range of prices online and at its funeral homes.