Pre-paid Funeral Plans
As well as the comfort of having a plan in place, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with being able to help save your family from worry and expense in the future. So why not take the next step? A funeral plan is 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. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family. A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.
At William Purves, we work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a simple way to plan ahead. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers*, Golden Charter has helped nearly one million people to plan ahead**, 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. When you get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your funeral requirements and tailor a plan to suit you. Rest assured a plan from Golden Charter is available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.
A plan to suit your needs
As an independently owned funeral director, we’ll take the time to understand your wishes and tailor a plan to suit you. We can discuss these at our premises or in your home, at a time that is convenient for you. If you’d prefer to discuss this over the phone or via email, we can assist with this too. You can tell us about any preferences you have in mind – the type of funeral you would like to have, hymns, music or any other personal touches – and we’ll make sure your plan takes these into account.
What's included in a pre-paid funeral plan?
Payment options to suit you
With a Golden Charter funeral plan, you can pay for your plan in several ways. Spread the cost or make a one-off payment – simply choose the one that’s right for you. We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
The retail price of your funeral plan is representative of the equivalent cost of a funeral today plus an arrangement fee of £325 which is retained by Golden Charter to help cover the costs of setting up your plan.
Your payments are held within the Golden Charter Trust. With almost £1.2 billion under management***, the Trust is operated by a Board of Trustees, completely independent of Golden Charter. Their role is to hold your payments and ensure that the funeral director services in your plan can be paid for at the time they are required – however far into the future that may be. For more information on how your payments are protected, please visit goldencharter.co.uk/faqs.
Looking after you as a customer
As a Golden Charter plan holder, you’ll receive personalised plan documents, which include a summary of your plan, our details, your plan holder certificate and a personal membership card for you to carry in your purse or wallet. You can add a nominated representative to your plan if you wish to do so. Your nominated representative will receive a letter which will provide details of your plan and our details, as your chosen funeral director. They will have no authority to make changes to your plan.
You’ll also receive a statement from Golden Charter every three years which will be sent via post.
As your funeral director, we’ll hold full details of your funeral plan. When the time comes, one phone call is all it takes to activate your plan and get the arrangements underway.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch today
As well as the comfort of having a plan in place, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with being able to help save your family from worry and expense in the future. So why not take the next step?
*Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the funeral plan market size as at May 2024
**Correct at October 2024
***Confirmed by Golden Charter Trust's audited accounts at 31 March 2024
William Purves Funeral Directors 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).
Download a Golden Charter Brochure
Golden Charter brochure (Scotland) Golden Charter brochure (England)
0131 447 5858
To find out more about Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans from William Purves simply make an appointment with one of our expert team today.
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
Record a Plan of Wishes
Discover the choices available to suit every preference and budget, whether you would like a burial or cremation.
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.
