Planning your funeral in advance is a thoughtful way to protect your loved ones from stress and uncertainty. But how can you be sure your money is secure and your wishes will be respected? That is where regulation—and The Farewell Guide—come in.
Who Regulates Prepaid Funeral Plans in the UK?
Since 29 July 2022, all prepaid funeral plans in the UK have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This change was introduced to ensure that consumers are treated fairly, their money is protected, and funeral services are delivered as promised.
The FCA is the UK’s financial regulator. It oversees thousands of firms to ensure they meet high standards of conduct, transparency and financial security. For funeral plans, this means:
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Only authorised firms or their appointed representatives can sell or manage plans
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Providers must hold your money in a trust or insurance-backed arrangement
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You are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if your provider fails
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You can escalate complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
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Cold-calling and commission-based selling are banned
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Funeral delivery is guaranteed unless the customer passes away within two years of taking out the plan, in which case a full refund is required
How to Check if a Provider is Regulated
Before buying a plan, always check the FCA Register to confirm the provider is authorised:
You can also find guidance on what to do if your provider is not authorised:
🔗 https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/funeral-plans-check-provider-authorised
Why This Matters More Than Ever
The collapse of unregulated firms such as Safe Hands Funeral Plans left many customers without the services they had paid for. FCA regulation was introduced to prevent this from happening again by enforcing strict rules on how funeral plan providers operate and how they handle your money.
How The Farewell Guide Helps You Stay Safe
We are proud to be the UK’s only independent directory that exclusively lists FCA-regulated funeral plan providers and their approved representatives in one place.
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Every provider on our site is verified as authorised or an appointed representative
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We do not list unregulated firms under any circumstances
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We help you compare plans with confidence, knowing you are only seeing safe, compliant options
Our mission is to make funeral planning transparent, secure and stress-free. Whether you are planning for yourself or a loved one, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Top Tips for Choosing a Safe and Suitable Funeral Plan
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✅ Check the FCA Register: Always confirm that the provider is authorised or an appointed representative
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✅ Understand What the Plan Covers: Some plans only cover basic services, while others include extras like flowers, transport or memorials. Always read the fine print.
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✅ Look at Cancellation and Admin Fees: Some providers charge fees if you cancel or make changes. Make sure you understand these costs before committing.
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✅ Check How Long the Firm Has Been Trading and Regulated: A longer track record can offer reassurance. Look for firms that have been regulated since the FCA took over in 2022 or earlier.
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✅ Read Independent Reviews: Look for customer feedback on trusted platforms to get a sense of service quality and reliability.
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✅ Ask About Payment Options: Can you pay in full or in instalments? Are there interest charges? Choose a plan that suits your financial situation.
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✅ Use Trusted Directories Like The Farewell Guide: We only list FCA-regulated providers and approved representatives, so you can compare with confidence.