Britons neglect death preparations as costs continue to rise

Sun Life Direct's fifth Annual Cost of Dying report found end of life costs - including funerals, probate, headstones and flowers - have increased to an average of £7,248. Many people have not taken responsibility for organising their end of life plans and those left behind often struggle to meet the costs, according to the report. The latest rise represents an increase of 20% since 2007, and over £400 since last year. Funeral costs have increased by 61% over the past seven years, which the Sun Life believes will continue for the foreseeable future. More than half (53%) of respo...