North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to act on the findings of research on funeral poverty.
Mr Isherwood, who is Chair of the Cross Party Group on Funerals and Bereavement and of the Cross Party Group on Hospices and Palliative Care, raised the matter in this week’s Business Statement following recent research by Marie Curie which has identified the need for more to be done to tackle funeral poverty.
Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, Mr Isherwood said: “Could I call for a Welsh Government statement on funeral poverty? I welcome the findings of research on funeral poverty from Marie Curie and the University of York, which underlines the general need for greater readiness in society to think and talk about death and dying, including the economic implications.
“This research has identified key people, such as hospice and bereavement staff, who can be trained to recognise circumstances where discussions could be had to avoid some of the financial problems that come through a lack of information and rushed decision making at the end of life or after death. So, a statement detailing what steps the Welsh Government proposes to better train healthcare workers in this difficult but necessary task and to encourage responsible planning for funerals in order to reduce the financial burden placed upon loved ones would be very timely.”
The Minister, Jane Hutt AM, replied: “You do draw attention to an important piece of research from Marie Curie, which I know Ministers will want to look at in terms of relevant responsibilities and response.”