Age UK under fire for ‘promoting expensive’ funerals to the elderly

National charity, Age UK, has been criticised for making millions of pounds from pensioners by promoting energy, insurance and funeral care plans.

The charity-branded funeral plans, provided by Advance Planning a subsidiary of Dignity, were allegedly more expensive than some of the alternatives provided by other firms.

Last year 21,000 of the funeral plans were sold – with Age UK Enterprises receiving £9.4m in return, according to the Financial Times.

Age UK Statement: “We consistently urge all those considering purchasing a funeral plan to make sure that they fully understand the features and limitations of the schemes they look at, so that they pick one which best meets their needs and preferences. Not all funeral plans are the same so it’s best not to compare on price alone.”

“Our partner Dignity shares our values, offering excellent, compassionate customer service. They help older people to get good value for money and also give them peace of mind when addressing the sensitive issue of end of life planning.”  

“Age UK Enterprises receives a payment from Dignity in return for promoting the Age UK Funeral Plan through our website, nationwide communications and local Age UKs, which offer a face-to-face service.”

“‎The net profits are then donated to the Age UK Charity to help support older people through our charitable services.”