Who is the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)?

Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) is an independent body dedicated to ensuring funeral plan providers deliver high standards to their customers.

They provide a strict set of rules and Code of Practice which members must abide by to receive accreditation.

Unlike many financial services, which are legally required to be FCA regulated, the FPA is a self-opt in service.

Funeral providers choose to be FPA regulated and as a result, agree to follow the necessary guidelines put in place by the regulator.

It's not simply a case of paying for registration and if guidelines are not followed FPA accreditation is withdrawn.

FPA ensure that customers' money is safe and secure and that all funeral services promised can be delivered as stated.

At Reassured, not only are all of our funeral plans FPA regulated but we also apply all of our FCA regulated processes to ensure full security for our customers.

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Funeral Planning Authority registered providers

Determining whether or not a funeral plan provider is FPA accredited should be as easy as identifying the FPA logo on the provider's website.

However, if this is not clearly displayed, you can contact the provider directly to enquire.

Most large funeral plan providers will be registered with the FPA, including:

A full list of registered providers can be found on the FPA website.

Funeral Planning Authority Code of Practice

As discussed, to become FPA accredited you must demonstrate adherence to a strict Code of Practice.

The FPA Code of Practice covers 11 key areas:

  1. Principles of business
  2. Conduct
  3. Treating customers fairly
  4. Marketing and advertising
  5. Information
  6. Contracts and documents
  7. Plan funds
  8. Complaints and disputes
  9. Suppliers sellers or providers of services
  10. Data protection regulation
  11. Pledge to customers

Providers will be required to provide evidence of their adherence to this practice to receive FPA accreditation.

As mentioned, not only do all of our funeral plan providers abide by this Code of Practice, but we also apply our FCA regulated processes to the service we provide, offering you increased security in your purchase.

Funeral Planning Authority trace a funeral

Unfortunately, FPA doesn't have access to a central database containing all funeral plans purchased in the UK.

However, all is not lost.

If upon passing, you think a loved one may have had a funeral plan in place, you can complete a simple form on the FPA website.

This query is then sent to all FPA registered providers who'll get in touch if they find a match within their records.

If no plan is in place, you won't hear back from any providers.

Are funeral plans regulated by the FCA?

Funeral plans aren't currently regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), although there has been speculation that at some point in the future they will be.

The FCA regulates all types of financial services to ensure the safety and fair treatment of customers - this includes insurance, banking and finance.

Currently, funeral plans are only regulated by the FPA if they choose to undergo the scrutiny of the regulation authority - it's not a requirement.

Financial services are required to be regulated by the FCA.

At Reassured, not only are all of our funeral plans FPA approved but as a financial services provider, we're also regulated by the FCA.

As a result, we apply all of our FCA regulated processes to the funeral plans arm of our business, ensuring you full safety for your investment.

Are all funeral plans FPA approved?

As discussed, it's not a requirement for funeral plan providers to be FPA accredited.

Therefore, unless providers opt to undergo the regulation, they can remain to operate without FPA approval.

However, 95% of UK funeral plan providers in the UK are FPA regulated[1], including all providers working with Reassured.

What the FPA don’t do?

FPA regulate funeral plans only and not the conduct of the actual funeral itself.

Therefore, they enforce rules which will keep your investment safe and ensure you receive all of the services detailed within your plan but don't monitor the manner of which funerals are carried out.

Any complaints regarding the conduct of a funeral would need to go through either:

Arranging an FPA funeral plan

As discussed, ensuring your funeral plan provider is FPA regulated can ensure the safety and security of your selfless investment.

At Reassured we can do exactly that - at NO cost to you.

All plans arranged through our award-winning services are FPA regulated and we can compare quotes to ensure you receive the right plan to meet your unique needs.

Simply get in touch to receive your free, no-obligation quotes - saving you valuable time and money.

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Sources:

[1] https://funeralplanningauthority.co.uk/

*£19.11 per month pricing includes a £75 discount only available to Co-operative members and is based on a 50-year-old purchasing a Co-operative Simple Funeral Plan at £3,020 over the maximum term available of 25 years (total amount repayable £5,733.40) as of 1st March 2021

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Our Providers

At Reassured, we will provide you with quotes from Co-op Funeral Care, Dignity Funeral Services and Simplicity Cremations.

All of the funeral plans we provide are fully regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) ensuring you and your money are protected.

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