Dignity sees cost of delivering funerals rise in Q3

UK-based national provider of funeral plans and end of life services, Dignity, reports that its cost of delivering funerals has increased to £1,925 as of 30 September compared to the same period last year when it was £1,858.  

The price increase follows the increase in coffin raw material costs of £0.7m, utility costs of £0.7m, a depreciation cost of £0.6m, and a fuel cost of £0.5m, according to the group’s most recent results.  

It is also reported that the company’s total cost base changes included a £1.7m loss of rates relief, an increase in salaries of £3.2m and bad debts of £2.2m. 

According to Dignity, in the first three quarters of 2022 it conducted a total of 58,200 funerals in the United Kingdom, which is slightly less than the 59,900 recorded for the same period in 2021.  

Kate Davidson, CEO of Dignity plc, said: “The third quarter continues to present some of the challenges we faced earlier this year, but with our new strategy well underway we are beginning to see positive indications of our market share growing. It is also promising to see tangible improvements to our workforce as we increase our headcount following the proactive steps we’ve taken.

“We remain focused on our long term aims, and we believe that our strategy will deliver sustainable growth and value for shareholders, colleagues and clients alike.”