‘Cost of dying’ in UK hits record level as bereaved turn to crowdfunding to meet bills

Latest SunLife study shows average total funeral cost at 9,797 with many selling off possessions to help pay

The cost of dying" has hit a record high, prompting growing numbers of grieving UK families to turn to crowdfunding or sell possessions to help pay for a funeral, according to a report.

The average cost of a basic funeral has increased by 3.5% in a year to hit an all-time high" of 4,285, according to the insurer SunLife, which has been monitoring UK funeral costs for two decades.