Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Safe Hands Funeral Plans

12 May 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Margaret Ferrier raised concerns about safe hands funeral plans in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP highlighted the collapse of Safe Hands Funeral Plans, leaving thousands of policyholders uncertain.
  • Patrick Hughes lost 6,300 invested in a Safe Hands funeral plan meant to cover family expenses.
  • Minister acknowledged the debate, noting Dignity plc's temporary assistance and upcoming FCA regulations.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

The MP highlighted the collapse of Safe Hands Funeral Plans, which has left thousands of policyholders in uncertainty. She detailed how her constituent Patrick Hughes had lost a significant amount after investing £6,300 in a plan that was supposed to provide peace of mind for his family's funeral expenses. The company’s administration and failure to regulate under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have led to a lack of clarity and support from administrators. She praised Dignity plc for stepping up temporarily but expressed concern over ongoing uncertainty and the need for more substantial government action to protect future customers.

Other contributors (1)
  • Paul Maynard Con Blackpool North and Cleveleys

    The MP supported the debate, highlighting concerns about other firms potentially exiting before FCA regulation takes effect. He expressed worry about Dignity's capacity to cope with demand and urged for more state support through an accelerated no-interest loan scheme.

Government Response

John Glen

The Minister acknowledged the importance of the debate and thanked all contributors. He commended Dignity plc for providing funeral services for Safe Hands' customers for six months, expressing regret over the lack of clarity for those affected. The FCA's support in finding a long-term solution was noted, along with the introduction of new regulations to ensure better consumer protection from 29 July. The Government has introduced an 18-month transition period and made it easier for funeral plan providers exiting the market to transfer plans to regulated providers. He discussed ongoing work on affordable credit through pilot schemes like low-interest loans, aiming to provide financial stability to those facing unexpected costs.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy