In the United Kingdom, funeral directors are not allowed to sell funeral plans directly due to regulations aimed at ensuring consumer protection and transparency in the sale of such plans. The primary reason for this restriction is to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure that funeral plans are sold by regulated financial institutions that adhere to stringent standards.

Here are the main reasons for this regulation:

1. Regulatory Oversight: Funeral plans involve financial products that require a high level of regulation to protect consumers. These products need to comply with financial regulations, which are overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA ensures that companies selling these plans are transparent, provide clear information, and treat customers fairly.
2. Conflict of Interest: If funeral directors were to sell funeral plans, there could be a conflict of interest. Funeral directors might have an incentive to sell specific plans or services that may not be in the best interest of the consumer, prioritizing their business interests over the consumer's needs.
3. Consumer Protection: By requiring funeral plans to be sold through regulated financial firms, the UK government ensures that consumers are protected by financial services legislation. This includes safeguarding the funds paid into these plans, providing clear information about the product, and  ensuring that there are appropriate complaint and redress mechanisms in place.
4. Specialization and Expertise: Financial firms are better equipped to handle the      complexities of financial products like funeral plans. They have the expertise to manage funds, understand regulatory requirements, and provide financial advice. This specialization helps ensure that consumers receive accurate and helpful information when purchasing a plan.

The prohibition on funeral directors selling funeral plans in the UK is designed to protect consumers, prevent conflicts of interest, and ensure that these financial products are sold by qualified and regulated entities. This framework helps maintain trust in the funeral plan market and ensures that consumers receive fair and transparent service.

If your interested in buying a funeral plan, we recommend you contact a regulated company to purchase and ask the company to allocate it to Hodgson Family Funeral Home.

We are happy to accept all funeral plans from any FCA regulated company.