Welsh gov to offer £500 contribution toward child funeral costs
Julie James, housing and local government minister for Wales, claims that the additional financial support for funerals is part of a ‘wider package’ for families who have lost a child
The Welsh government has announced that from 1 April, families who have registered the loss of a child under the age of 18 will be able to receive a one off payment of £500 as a contribution towards funeral costs.
Julie James, housing and local government minister for Wales, claimed that the additional financial support for funerals is part of a “wider package” for families who have lost a child.
The package also includes the development of the national bereavement standards and a new £1m grant to help address the gaps in bereavement service provision across Wales.
Since 2017, the Welsh government has worked with local governments and One Voice Wales, which represents town and community councils in Wales, to waive child burial and cremations fees.
James commented: “We want to offer families practical, compassionate support at an unimaginably difficult time.
“Local government will take the lead on delivering the additional support to families and we have worked closely in partnership with them to develop an approach that is easy to access and will provide the support when they need it.”
Rhian Mannings, founder and CEO of 2 Wish Upon A Star, a charity supporting people affected by sudden death in children and adults, added: “That pain and devastation is often compounded by the financial burden of paying funeral costs which can amount to thousands of pounds.
“Planning the funeral is a difficult process. Parents making choices about their final goodbyes is another part of the grieving process but knowing there is funding available to help towards the costs of funerals would be appreciated by so many.”
