Funeral Plans explained

Ecclesiastical Planning Services

Our pre-paid funeral plans are provided by a trusted national provider, Ecclesiastical Planning Services.

As part of a specialist, UK-based financial services group, Ecclesiastical Planning Services has offered pre-payment funeral plans since 2006. When you take out a funeral plan with us, Ecclesiastical Planning Services arranges for the funds to be securely held in individual whole of life assurance policies. Every penny of the full value of your plan, excluding the management fee, is ring-fenced and cannot be used for anything but your funeral when the time comes.

Ecclesiastical Planning Services is part of a large Group that gives available profits to charity and is proud to have been named the UK’s 4th largest corporate donor to charities (2021/22)¹. In addition, Ecclesiastical Planning Services is recognised by the National Association of Funeral Directors for treating customers fairly, and offering funeral plans which are financially secure and responsibly administered (2022).

1. The Directory of Social Change, The UK Guide to Company Giving 2021/22.

We are an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No. 2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans only.

What Plan should I choose?

You can choose from our commonly requested arrangements – The Traditional Plan, The Woodland Plan or the Simple Plan or choose a Personal Plan that can be tailored to your specific wishes. You can turn your Funeral Wishes into a Personal Plan - contact us for details.

Can the plan include special wishes?

You can add special wishes and requests such as song choices, readings, information for a eulogy and so on. There is no charge to add these details. There may be more to pay if you require additional features, services or upgrades.

Who is eligible?

UK residents aged 18 or over can take out a plan. For instalment plans, the final instalment must be paid by your 85^th birthday. There are no medical or health questions to answer. Please read the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Does the plan cover the entire cost of the funeral?

The plan covers our funeral director's costs listed in the plan details as long as your requirements don't change and your selected funeral director carries out your funeral.

The plan can also include an allowance towards third party costs such as cremation, and officiant’s fees. These costs are outside of our control. If these costs, as listed in the plan details, are not covered by the plan value at the time of need, there will be a balance to pay. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for more information.

What happens if I move to a different part of the country?

If you move, you should be able to transfer your plan to a funeral director near your new home. However, there may be additional costs depending on local prices. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for details or speak to us for more information.

Can I buy a funeral plan for someone else?

Yes, we find that many of our customers choose to do this.

Can I change my funeral plan arrangements?

Yes, you can make changes to your plan after you have taken it out and once it is fully-paid. Just let us know what you wish to change. There may be an additional cost if you add new features and services to your plan.

What about third party fees (also referred to as disbursements)?

The plan can also include a contribution towards third party costs such as the fees for cremation or burial, medical fees and payments to minister or officiant. These costs are outside of our control and cannot be guaranteed. 

Your plan can include a contribution towards these costs. You can choose how much you wish to pay towards these costs. When you arrange the plan you should be given guidance on what these fees are today, helping you decide how much you want to pay.

Can I cancel my plan?

Yes, you can cancel your plan at any time. If you choose to cancel the plan within the cancellation period, you’ll receive a full refund. If you cancel the plan after the cancellation period, you’ll receive a refund of the original amount paid, excluding the administration fee, and any payments to insure an instalment plan.

Can I pay for my plan by instalments?

Yes, you are able to pay over a range of periods. There is an additional cost for paying by instalments over two or more years. Eligibility criteria applies.

What happens if I die abroad?

The plan does not cover the cost of a funeral abroad, or the cost of repatriating the deceased. It is therefore important that your travel insurance policy covers this.

Pre-arranging Your own funeral

You may not want to pay for your funeral now, so do not want to take out a pre-paid funeral plan. However, just like a will, it makes real sense to record anything you want or don't want for your funeral. In other words, you might want to pre-arrange part or all of your funeral.

Our website makes this easy. Simply go to the My Wishes area of our website, fill in the details you want and share them with your family.

We are an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No. 2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans only.