CHILDREN'S FUNERAL COSTS

Early day motion 775, tabled 7 December 2016 by Carolyn Harris (Labour). Signed by 169 members.

That this House notes that approximately 5,000 infants and children pass away each year in the UK; further notes that the cost of children's funerals imposes a significant and unexpected financial burden on bereaved parents; recognises that some local authorities, as well as religious officiants and undertakers, currently waive all or a proportion of the fees associated with children's funerals; further recognises that many individuals, community groups and schools undertake fundraising to cover such funeral costs; acknowledges that the total annual cost of fees associated with children's funerals is £10 million; and calls on the Government to establish a specific fund, from which local authorities can draw, to pay the costs associated with children's funerals.

Signatures by party: Labour 117, Scottish National Party 17, Labour/Co-operative 10, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 4, DUP 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Green 1.