Central England Co-op launches low cost, unattended funeral service

The society launched this service after receiving requests from customers

The Central England Co-operative is offering an unattended funeral service as a lost-cost option for people who want a simple send-off.

The service is available from £1,250 and includes care for a loved one, a simple oak coffin, transportation to the Bretby Crematorium in Derbyshire, a dignified cremation without family or friends in attendance, and all fees.

Kevin Crute, head of Funerals at Central England, said that while the service was not a traditional one, it preserved care, respect and dignity.

He said: “Our Bretby unattended funeral allows for occasions when, for a variety of reasons, families do not wish to hold a funeral service at either a church or a crematorium.

“It allows for a simple, dignified cremation to take place at Bretby Crematorium without family or friends in attendance, but at the same time offering high standards of dignity and respect.

“The only difference is that we have removed costs to ensure that families can have a simple and cost effective send off.”

The society launched the service after receiving requests from customers for this type of send-off. Central England operates funeral homes across 16 counties.

“We know that our Bretby unattended funeral will not be for everyone but we want to ensure our clients have a range of choices on offer to choose from.

“This service is a simple and cost effective alternative that will still be carried out with the high levels of care, dignity and respect that we pride ourselves on at Central England Co-op Funeralcare,” added Mr Crute.