Just 5% of UK adults have a funeral plan, research reveals

29 October 2024

  • Co-op Funeralcare, the UK’s leading funeral provider, reveals that fewer than 1 in 10 adults (5%) in the UK have a funeral plan
  • Recent research from the member-owned organisation shows that over half (52%) of those that have experienced a death in the last five years say their loved one didn't have a pre-paid funeral plan
  • Of those that have a funeral plan, three-quarters (74%) chose to put a funeral plan in place to ease the burden on their next of kin
  • Co-op Funeralcare business data reveals that the average age at which an individual takes out a funeral plan is currently 73 years old
  • Co-op Funeralcare is encouraging the nation to think about and discuss their funeral wishes

Co-op Funeralcare, the UK’s leading funeral provider, reveals that only 5% of those surveyed reported having a funeral plan, meaning that millions of UK adults do not have a plan in place for when the inevitable happens.

Recent research from the member-owned organisation conveys that the nation appears to be reluctant to plan for the inevitable as over half (52%) of those that have experienced a death in the last five years say their loved one didn't have a pre-paid funeral plan.

Over half (50%) of those surveyed haven’t discussed their funeral wishes with family or friends in any form, and of those who have broached the subject, under one fifth (17%) have discussed in any detail.

Of those that have a funeral plan, three-quarters (74%) chose to put a funeral plan in place to ease the burden on their next of kin, and over half (55%) wanted to work out the cost of their funeral and to ensure it is financially covered.

Edward Cox, one of Co-op Funeralcare’s very own funeral arrangers, recently made headlines as a 21-year-old who has already planned his own funeral. He joined the funeral sector aged 18 and believes his job has made him think about death differently, and that others should also start thinking about creating their own funeral plan.

Edward feels comforted that his loved ones will not need to worry about organising his funeral when the time arrives, and that he feels empowered to have his plans written down while knowing that there is flexibility to change and update his choices as times passes.

Co-op Funeralcare’s business data reveals that the average age at which an individual takes out a funeral plan is currently 73 years old.

Although many have not yet put official plans in place for the funeral, it is evident that lots of Brits have at least thought about some aspects of their funeral. For example, Co-op Funeralcare’s Trending Tributes report reveals that the committal method (burial or cremation) and the choice of music are two of the most popular funeral details which are discussed by Brits.

Michael Forsyth, Head of Funeral Plans at Co-op Funeralcare, said:

“Sharing your funeral wishes with your loved ones is important to make sure you get the send-off you want. Whilst discussing what you would and would not like as part of your funeral is a great starting point, taking the time to officially record these wishes is the next step.
“Funeral plans are not only a way of capturing your wishes, but they also help to manage the financial side of a funeral before the time comes. This means your family doesn’t need to worry about financing a funeral whilst grieving and can feel confident that you're receiving the final farewell that you wished for.”

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

*Co-op business data taken from 2024 Trending Tributes and Planning for Death reports

** Estimated data based on YouGov survey data

For more information contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk

Top 10 most discussed funeral details:

  1. Burial or cremation preference

  2. Funeral type

  3. Music choices

  4. Location

  5. Cost

  6. Coffin type

  7. Dress code

  8. Deceased’s outfit

  9. Flower arrangements

  10. Charity Donation

About Co-op

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.