St Helens Borough Council backs campaign against funeral poverty

St Helens Borough Council has announced its support for Funeral Poverty Awareness Week (3 to 9 February) to raise awareness of the financial impact of funeral costs on families. 

The campaign aims to encourage open conversation and improved access to support services.

It comes as rising costs often force families to take on debt through credit cards or payday loans in the event of an unexpected death. The initiative provides guidance on maximising income and exploring financial assistance to ensure funeral costs do not create long-term hardship.

The council offers a partnership funeral service developed with directors in the borough. This package is available for cremations at St Helens Crematorium or burials at local cemeteries. The local authority receives no payment for the arrangement.

Funeral Poverty Awareness Week is a collaboration between comparison website Funeral Experts and the England Illegal Money Lending Team, combining planning guidance with protection from illegal lending practices.

Trisha Long, cabinet member for stronger communities at St Helens Borough Council, said: “Funeral Poverty Awareness Week is an important reminder that no family should face financial hardship when saying goodbye to a loved one. 

“Our Partnership Funeral Service helps ensure fair pricing, transparency, and high standards of care and respect for residents during their most difficult moments. It also reinforces the need for families to openly discuss their wishes and prepare for what’s to come for all of us.”