The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that the new obligations contained in the Funeral Markets Investigation Order 2021, which was made in June 2021, are now in force for funeral directors and crematoria.
What is the Funeral Markets Investigation?
Following its market investigation into the funerals sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced new legal obligations which are intended to assist funeral directors and crematorium operators to better support their customers in arranging a funeral that meets their needs and budget.
The new legal obligations are set out in the Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021.
What are the new obligations for funeral directors and crematoriums from the Funeral Markets Investigation?
The Order implements a package of remedies to address the adverse effects on competition following a services market investigation of the funerals and crematoria. Funeral directors must now display a standardised price list and disclose other commercial information.
The CMA has also published an information page on "things to know when arranging a funeral". This is designed to help customers understand their rights to encourage consumers to compare the prices of funeral directors and check their prices and terms of business. They are also encouraged not to assume that the nearest crematorium will meet their needs and not to assume that all elements of a funeral package are mandatory.
What should funeral directors and crematoriums do next?
From Thursday 16 September all UK funeral firms and crematoriums must be compliant with the Funerals Market Investigation order 2021. It is recommended that you read the full guidance and obligations announced by the Competition and Markets Authority, which can be found on the Government website.
Key points of the order to highlight include:
- Have your Standardised Price List published online within one click of your homepage.
- Have your Standardised Price List clearly and prominently on display in your window and in branch.
- Have the required crematorium information, payment terms and disclosure information published online and in branch.
- Have prepared your register of charitable donations, by 1st
- Have ceased all arrangements with third-party providers in the sector that could be viewed as inducements.
- Collate information ready for the CMA’s first reporting deadline on 1 April 2022, if you have five or more branches.
How can Tozers help?
This move is welcomed to ensure that customers have all the relevant information available to them before making any decisions when arranging a funeral for a loved one.
If you need any further advice or guidance, then please contact our expert lawyers who will be happy to help.
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