Company to combat high cost  of funerals

From today Co-op Funeral Care, which has branches in Portsmouth, Fareham and Waterlooville, will introduce its new 'guarantee to beat' commitment which will see funeral homes commit to beating any like-for-like quote on funeral costs.

Managing director Robert Maclachlan said: '˜Funerals are becoming increasingly price sensitive and in the past two years we have seen a huge shift in the number of clients seeking affordable funeral choices.

'˜Our new guarantee to beat on price means that families choosing a funeral with the Co-op can be assured that they are receiving a competitively-priced funeral, with no compromise on our high standards of care.'

The firm will also be lowering the cost of its affordable funeral option by £100, undercutting other national providers by taking it to £1,895, plus third party costs.