Regulation of Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

In response to recent publicity, we would like to reassure all holders of a Walter C. Parson Funeral Plan that their plans are safe. Our Company continues to guarantee the entirety of our funeral plans for cremation – both our funeral director’s fees and third-party costs.

This means that the only costs which may need to be paid at the time of the funeral are for any flowers or newspaper notices selected by your family.

Funeral plans are being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in July 2022 to ensure that the products offered by firms meet consumer needs, offer fair value and to make sure that firms look after consumers’ money and use it to deliver funeral services.

Whilst you will have purchased your plan from Walter C. Parson and your funeral will be carried out by us, you may not realise that your funds were invested in an independent trust or whole of life assurance policy.  This ensures your funds remain safe and secure and grow over time to cover the cost of your funeral.

We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide and believe that we have always worked with reputable partners to ensure that your funds were held securely. We have detailed below the specifics for each funeral plan provider we have worked with over the years.

Should you have any worries or concerns whatsoever regarding your funeral plan, please do not hesitate to contact your local office, or our Head Office on 01752 76 76 76.

Ecclesiastical Planning Services (plans purchased between 2017 and present)

Ecclesiastical Planning Services have applied for authorisation by the FCA. There will be no change to any funeral plans with Ecclesiastical Planning Services.

Plan with Grace (plans purchased between 2017 and 2019)

Plan with Grace have applied for authorisation by the FCA. There will be no change to any funeral plans with Plan with Grace.

Funeral Planning Services (plans purchased between 1995 – 2017)

The Funeral Planning Trust closed to new business in 2017 and will therefore not be applying for authorisation from the FCA. Funeral Planning Services have arranged for Ecclesiastical to take over all existing funeral plans – this means there will be no changes to your funeral, it will still be conducted by Walter C. Parson and there will be nothing further to pay.

You will however receive a letter in the coming weeks explaining the process. In order to transfer your funds to Ecclesiastical and keep your plan exactly as it is, you will need to complete the form for “Option 1”.

Should you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be pleased to explain everything to you over the telephone, or arrange a home visit to provide reassurance if required.

Chosen Heritage, Age Concern, Age UK, Dignity (plans purchased between 1985 and 1995)

All of the above brands are part of Dignity Funerals Limited, which has applied for authorisation by the FCA. There will be no change to any funeral plans.

You can check the application status of all funeral plan providers by following this link: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/funeral-plans/providers-list