If you have never arranged a funeral before, you may never have heard of the Competition and Markets Authority, usually shortened to the CMA. Understanding the CMA funeral rules can help you see what pricing and business information a funeral director should make clear. That is completely understandable. Most people only come across the rules when they need to arrange a funeral.
The CMA is the UK’s competition regulator. Following an investigation into the funeral sector, it introduced the Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021. The aim is simple: to make it easier for bereaved families to see prices clearly, understand what they may have to pay and compare funeral providers.
What does that mean for funeral directors?
Funeral directors must make certain information clear and easy to find. This includes a Standardised Price List, an Additional Options Price List, local crematorium prices, certain payment terms and a Disclosure of Interests.
The Standardised Price List uses a fixed format so that families can compare providers more easily. It includes prices for attended funerals and, where offered, unattended funerals such as direct cremation.
Why is this useful for families?
Arranging a funeral can involve making important decisions at a time when you may not feel ready to make them. Clear pricing means you should be able to understand the likely cost before agreeing to arrangements, rather than discovering unexpected compulsory charges later.
At BM Funeral Service, we want our pricing to be straightforward. Our Local Direct Cremation is £1,199 for collection within 25 miles of our Charing base. Our Extended Area Direct Cremation is £1,499 for collections over 25 miles and up to 50 miles, with the included services explained clearly on our pricing page.
What is a Disclosure of Interests?
The CMA also requires funeral directors to publish information about who ultimately owns the business, certain financial interests in funeral price-comparison websites, and qualifying payments or contributions to other organisations. The purpose is transparency: customers should be able to see information that might be relevant when choosing a provider.
Does the CMA regulate the standard of deceased care?
The Funerals Market Investigation Order is primarily concerned with competition, pricing and commercial transparency. It should not be confused with healthcare regulation or an inspection regime for the physical care of deceased people.
BM’s wider approach to deceased care is shaped by our ambulance and healthcare background, with an emphasis on dignity, identification, documentation and professional handling.
Where can I see the information?
BM Funeral Service publishes this information clearly on our website. You can view our Standardised Price List, Additional Options Price List, local crematorium prices and Disclosure of Interests. You can also read the official guidance on GOV.UK.