Central Co-op Funeral Plans responds to funeral costs at an all-time high

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 02/06/2025

The cost of a simple attended funeral in the UK has reached a record high of £4,285 - a 3.5% increase from last year, according to SunLife’s 2025 Cost of Dying report. With funeral expenses continuing to rise, Central Co-op Funeral Plans is stepping up to offer new and improved funeral plans that provide greater flexibility and more options to align with people’s way of living, ensuring customers can secure prices while tailoring plans to their values and wishes.

A funeral plan is a simple way to plan and pay for your funeral in advance. Once a plan is paid, there are no further charges for services in the plan, no matter how much prices rise in the future - giving customers and their loved ones the peace of mind that they’ll receive the funeral they want and have paid for.*

Central Co-op Funeral Plans’ new Flexible Plan provides the structure of a set plan while allowing individuals to personalise key elements, such as coffin selection and funeral vehicles. This addresses a common request for those wanting the ease and cost of a structured plan but with the ability to make certain choices to reflect personal wishes and values.

A key innovation in the new offering is the Natural Plan, created for those who wish to ‘give back’ to the planet as part of their final farewell. This eco-conscious option includes natural coffins made from bamboo, banana leaf or Fairtrade pandanus, as well as an electric hearse where possible. Additionally, as part of the Natural plan, Central Co-op will plant a tree for you or someone you love in a publicly-accessible nature reserve or woodland, reinforcing Central Co-op’s environmental commitments.

The importance of offering greater and greener choices in funeral planning is highlighted by Central Co-op’s recent survey of over 400 Members and customers, which found:

• 86% associate environmentally sustainable funerals with alternative material coffins such as wicker or cardboard
• 48% believe a natural burial is an eco-friendly choice
• 69% consider sustainability ‘important’ when planning their own funeral

For those looking for a more affordable option, Central Co-op also offers the Unattended Plan. This simple choice provides a cremation without a formal funeral service or the attendance of friends and family. It includes a simple wood-effect veneer coffin, private transport and a dignified cremation, ideal for those who prefer a no-fuss approach while ensuring arrangements are handled with care and respect. This plan ensures that even in challenging financial times, families can secure a respectful farewell without the financial strain of a traditional service.

Lee Bevan, Operations Director of Central Co-op Funeral Plans, said: “We’re committed to listening to our communities and evolving our offerings to meet their needs. With our plans, you can have your funeral, your way, with a personalised service that captures your life story.

“Our funeral plans can take the financial and emotional burden off your loved ones, ensuring that everything is arranged and paid for in advance. We offer a variety of payment options to suit different budgets and there are no health restrictions – so once your plan is paid, there’s nothing more to pay for the services included.”

For further details, head to the https://centralcoopfuneralplans.co.uk/ or visit socials. Details on becoming a Member of Central Co-op can be found at Members.coop.

* Important notice: To ensure that the funeral plan remains in place for the future, it is essential that all agreed payments are made on time. Failure to keep up with repayments may result in the individual not receiving the funeral arrangements they originally planned

ENDS

For press information

Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004