Grieving parents to receive up to £2,000 towards children's funeral costs under new government scheme

Children’s Funeral Fund aims to reduce financial burden for families

Families grieving the loss of a child through death or stillbirth are to be given up to £2,000 to help cover funeral costs, under a new government scheme.

Every year in England an estimated 3,800 children die under the age of 18, and there are a further 2,700 stillbirths.

Bereaved parents can find themselves facing bills of thousands of pounds for funeral costs which can vary widely across the country.

The Children’s Funeral Fund (CFF) aims to bring an end to this and provide families with the support they need.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden for families by reimbursing burial authorities, cremation authorities and funeral directors directly.

The fund will be available regardless of the family’s income, and will also include a contribution of £300 towards the cost of a coffin.

The move comes after Theresa May pledged to abolish children’s burial and cremation fees last year, and follows a cross-party campaign led by Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris after the death of her eight-year-old son, Martin, in 1989.

Announcing the news, Theresa May said: “At a time of such unimaginable loss, no grieving parent should be faced with the stress and worry of finding the money to cover the costs of their child’s funeral.

“I hope the Children’s Funeral Fund will bring an end to this and give families some comfort and support when they need it most.

“I would again like to pay tribute to Carolyn Harris and all those who have campaigned with such devotion and dignity on this issue.”

Kate Lee, chief executive of cancer charity CLIC Sargent, said the announcement was a “momentous day” for everyone who has supported the campaign for a Children’s Funeral Fund over the last two years.

“Most importantly, this is for every parent who has been plunged into debt to pay for their child’s funeral,” Lee added.

“As one mum said, no one should ever face the pain that they can’t afford ‘the last gift you’ll ever give your child’. This fund is in memory of every one of their children.”

Regulations are to be laid in parliament on 1 July 2019 by Justice Minister, Edward Argar, ahead of the Fund coming into effect on 23 July 2019.