Pre-paid Funeral Plans
We offer pre-paid funeral plans from Golden Charter as an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan.
Peace of mind for you and your family.
A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential services that we have no influence over such as cremation or burial or officiant fees. This means you get the funeral you want that suits your budget. We work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a safe and reliable way to plan ahead. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers*, Golden Charter has helped almost 900,000 people make funeral provisions** so we’re completely confident in offering their plans to you. Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. Golden Charter plans are available to all UK residents, regardless of age or state of health.
*Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the funeral plan market size as at January 2023.
**Correct at March 2023
William Purves Funeral Directors Limited is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority(FRN:965279).
Registered in England No. 02511598 Registered Office: One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS.
Download a Golden Charter Brochure
Golden Charter brochure (Scotland) Golden Charter brochure (England)
The safe, simple way to secure peace of mind
Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans fix our fees at today’s rates. By paying for our funeral director services included in your plan, you can avoid any potential future increases in the cost of these services. Our highest standards of service are guaranteed for plan holders at their time of need. Plans offer real financial protection*. More importantly, they provide peace of mind to individuals, families and those with dependents.
The cost of the funeral director’s services in your plan are guaranteed. Your plan also includes a contribution toward third party costs, such as cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.
SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2023
- 2027 – £5,088
- 2022 – £3,953
- 2004 – £1,835
Pre-payment funeral plan FAQs
Can I personalise the plan?
Plans are designed exclusively around your personal wishes. You can be as ambitious as you like and we will provide accurate costing for you to consider. You can add items to your plan as time goes by.
Can I buy plans for other people?
You can purchase a plan for anyone you wish: children, parents, even non-family members as a plan holder's representative. You will be the main contact so confidentiality is preserved. It is advisable to let someone close to you know about the plan you have bought, as they will need to understand what is covered in the plan. You have the option to add a nominated representative who will receive notification that there is a plan in place. Plans are available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.
Is my money secure?
Your money is protected and paid into The Golden Charter Trust. The Golden Charter Trust is a separate entity run by an independent Board of Trustees. You can find out more at www.goldenchartertrust.co.uk. Your plan is also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
What happens if I move house?
Your plan is still valid no matter where you live in the UK. However, if you move to a new area, you may want to transfer the plan to one of our other branches or to another independent funeral director (please note alternative funeral directors may offer varying services or fees). We would recommend contacting Golden Charter who can assist you with the arrangements.
How do I pay for a funeral plan?
You can make a one-off single payment for immediate cover. If you would prefer to spread the cost, you can pay over 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit at no extra charge. You will be covered once all payments are made. For a lower monthly payment, you can also choose to spread the cost of your plan between two and 15 years. This option includes the added benefit of the Golden Charter Pledge, which ensures that if you die at any time after you have made 12 payments, the benefit of your plan will be provided, with no further sums to be paid*. An instalment charge is included based on the term you select and is included in the overall cost of your funeral plan. For monthly payments and more information please contact us on 0131 447 5858 or alternatively call Golden Charter free on 0800 833 800.
Instalment payment term is dependent on your age when you take out the plan. Please see funeral director for further details.
*Provided at least 12 monthly payments have been made and payments are up to date.
What are the differences between your plan and an insurance policy?
Insurance plans are for a defined amount. They do no protect against rising costs. If you stop paying the premiums, you lose the whole policy. Once fully paid, Golden Charter plans guarantee all funeral director costs no matter how far into the future they're required. Plans include an allowance towards third party costs, over which we have no control. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as burial or cremation fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.
There will only be more to pay at the time of the funeral if the third party costs exceed the allowance when you buy your plan, or if the costs increase by more than the growth of your plan. Even if prices rise in the future, once your plan is paid for you’ll have the reassurance of knowing there’ll be nothing more to pay for your funeral director services included in the plan – guaranteed.