GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uk Funeral Industry Statistics

The UK funeral industry is growing in value as costs rise and preferences shift toward simpler options.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The average funeral cost £4,225 in 2023, with third-party costs at £1,380.

Statistic 2

Cremation fees averaged £1,142 in 2023, up 10%.

Statistic 3

Burial plot costs reached £1,232 on average in 2023.

Statistic 4

Professional fees for funeral directors averaged £1,845 in 2023.

Statistic 5

Coffin costs averaged £1,088, with 40% opting for basic models.

Statistic 6

Flowers and tributes cost £178 on average per funeral in 2023.

Statistic 7

Pre-paid plans saved families £500 on average compared to pay-at-need.

Statistic 8

Direct cremation averaged £1,495 in 2023.

Statistic 9

Hearse hire cost £325, limousines £200 per car in 2023 averages.

Statistic 10

Venue hire for funerals averaged £450 in 2023.

Statistic 11

Catering costs per funeral £350 on average in 2023.

Statistic 12

Church fees for funerals £500, non-church £600 average 2023.

Statistic 13

Estate administration fees averaged £1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 14

Doctor's fees £82, up 5% to 2023.

Statistic 15

Coroner fees averaged £250 where required 2023.

Statistic 16

Grave maintenance £150 annual average.

Statistic 17

London funeral costs £5,492 highest in UK 2023.

Statistic 18

Cheapest region NE England £3,617 avg 2023.

Statistic 19

28% families received grants covering £500 avg.

Statistic 20

Insurance payouts averaged £3,200 per claim 2023.

Statistic 21

Savings depleted by funerals for 22% families.

Statistic 22

Loans taken for funerals by 5% households 2023.

Statistic 23

Credit card payments 12% of funeral bills.

Statistic 24

The UK saw 630,000 registered deaths in 2022, leading to a similar number of funerals.

Statistic 25

Cremations numbered 466,000 in England and Wales in 2022, 78.4% of total funerals.

Statistic 26

Burials decreased to 110,000 in 2022 from 120,000 in 2021.

Statistic 27

Scotland recorded 58,000 deaths and funerals in 2022.

Statistic 28

Northern Ireland had 16,500 deaths requiring funerals in 2022.

Statistic 29

25% of funerals in 2023 were unattended direct cremations.

Statistic 30

Humanist funerals reached 12,000 in 2022, up 20%.

Statistic 31

Weekly average funerals in UK peaked at 12,000 during winter 2022-23.

Statistic 32

65+ age group accounted for 82% of deaths (516,000) in 2022.

Statistic 33

COVID-19 related funerals dropped to 5% of total (31,500) in 2022.

Statistic 34

Projected deaths to rise to 740,000 annually by 2040.

Statistic 35

London had 50,000 funerals in 2022.

Statistic 36

Female deaths outnumbered males by 10% (345,000 vs 285,000) in 2022.

Statistic 37

Infant funerals were 1,200 in England and Wales 2022.

Statistic 38

670,000 deaths registered in UK 2023 provisional.

Statistic 39

Excess winter deaths led to 20% funeral spike Q1 2023.

Statistic 40

4,500 repatriation funerals annually UK-wide.

Statistic 41

Cancer deaths 166,000 prompted funerals 2022.

Statistic 42

Heart disease funerals 70,000 in 2022.

Statistic 43

Dementia-related 72,000 funerals 2022.

Statistic 44

Projected 20% death rise by 2030 to 756,000.

Statistic 45

Urban areas host 70% of funerals (442,000) 2022.

Statistic 46

Rural burial preference 40% higher than urban.

Statistic 47

The UK funeral market was valued at £2.45 billion in 2022, representing a 3.2% increase from the previous year driven by rising cremation costs.

Statistic 48

Funeral expenditure in the UK reached £2.1 billion in 2023 according to consumer surveys.

Statistic 49

The average cost of a funeral in the UK rose to £4,164 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2022.

Statistic 50

Pre-paid funeral plans generated £1.2 billion in revenue for providers in 2022.

Statistic 51

The direct cremation segment grew to 15% of the market share in 2023, valued at approximately £367 million.

Statistic 52

UK funeral director revenues totaled £1.8 billion from traditional funerals in 2021.

Statistic 53

The burial sector accounted for 28% of funeral disposals, equating to £686 million in costs in 2022.

Statistic 54

Independent funeral directors hold 42% of the market by revenue, approximately £1.03 billion in 2023.

Statistic 55

Corporate groups like Funeral Partners reported £250 million turnover in FY2022.

Statistic 56

Dignity PLC's UK funeral revenue was £340 million in 2022.

Statistic 57

Co-op Funeralcare contributed £400 million to the market in 2023.

Statistic 58

75.6% cremation rate in England and Wales peaked in 2022.

Statistic 59

Funeral plan sales hit 800,000 policies active in 2023.

Statistic 60

Regional variance: Scotland funerals cost £3,800 avg 2023.

Statistic 61

NI funeral market £80 million annual value 2022.

Statistic 62

Funeral Partners operates 260 funeral homes across UK as of 2023.

Statistic 63

Dignity PLC owns 46% of UK crematoria capacity in 2023.

Statistic 64

Co-op Funeralcare has 800 branches, serving 100,000 funerals annually.

Statistic 65

Independents control 4,200 funeral homes, 60% of total outlets.

Statistic 66

Top 5 corporates hold 38% market share by funerals arranged.

Statistic 67

12,500 funeral directors employed in UK 2022.

Statistic 68

250 crematoria operate in England and Wales, 95% utilization rate.

Statistic 69

Funeral Partners conducted 35,000 funerals in FY2022.

Statistic 70

Dignity arranged 38,000 funerals in 2022.

Statistic 71

70% of funeral homes offer 24/7 bereavement support lines.

Statistic 72

Average staff per funeral home is 8, with 40% part-time.

Statistic 73

15% of providers offer green burials exclusively in 2023.

Statistic 74

Family-run businesses decreased to 55% of providers in 2023.

Statistic 75

95% of corporate providers vertically integrated.

Statistic 76

1,800 independent sole traders remain active.

Statistic 77

Staff turnover 18% in funeral sector 2023.

Statistic 78

40% providers female-led or owned 2023.

Statistic 79

Training apprenticeships 2,500 in sector 2023.

Statistic 80

300 new funeral homes opened 2020-2023.

Statistic 81

Closures: 150 independents since 2020.

Statistic 82

Online comparison sites used by 35% consumers.

Statistic 83

50% providers offer fixed price guarantees.

Statistic 84

Hygienists employed by 60% large providers.

Statistic 85

85% of funerals are cremations, 15% burials in 2023.

Statistic 86

Direct cremations rose from 5% to 25% market share 2018-2023.

Statistic 87

42% of families chose personalized funerals in 2023 survey.

Statistic 88

Eco-friendly coffins used in 30% of funerals in 2023.

Statistic 89

Online streaming of funerals adopted by 65% of providers post-COVID.

Statistic 90

Humanist and non-religious funerals at 45% in 2023.

Statistic 91

Woodland burials increased 15% year-on-year to 8,000 in 2023.

Statistic 92

55% of consumers prefer simple funerals over elaborate.

Statistic 93

Electric hearses trialed by 20% of providers in 2023.

Statistic 94

Memorial jewelry and keepsakes purchased in 28% of funerals.

Statistic 95

35% growth in pre-paid funeral plans since 2020.

Statistic 96

Ash scattering gardens used in 40% of cremations 2023.

Statistic 97

62% of millennials plan eco-funerals per 2023 poll.

Statistic 98

Bilingual funerals rose 12% in diverse areas 2023.

Statistic 99

AI memorial videos offered by 10% of directors in 2023.

Statistic 100

Charitable donations at funerals £50 million total 2023.

Statistic 101

Pet memorials combined with human in 5% cases.

Statistic 102

VR funerals piloted for 1,000 remote attendees.

Statistic 103

Bamboo coffins 25% market in eco segment.

Statistic 104

18% rise in celebrant-led services 2023.

Statistic 105

Carbon-neutral funerals offered by 22% providers.

Statistic 106

75% prefer natural burial grounds per poll.

Statistic 107

Digital legacies managed in 15% estates.

Statistic 108

Horse-drawn hearses 2% but up 10% usage.

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While the UK funeral industry quietly grows into a £2.45 billion market, the true cost of saying goodbye has reached a record high, with the average funeral now over £4,000, forcing families to make increasingly difficult and expensive choices.

Key Takeaways

The UK funeral market was valued at £2.45 billion in 2022, representing a 3.2% increase from the previous year driven by rising cremation costs.
Funeral expenditure in the UK reached £2.1 billion in 2023 according to consumer surveys.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK rose to £4,164 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2022.
The UK saw 630,000 registered deaths in 2022, leading to a similar number of funerals.
Cremations numbered 466,000 in England and Wales in 2022, 78.4% of total funerals.
Burials decreased to 110,000 in 2022 from 120,000 in 2021.
The average funeral cost £4,225 in 2023, with third-party costs at £1,380.
Cremation fees averaged £1,142 in 2023, up 10%.
Burial plot costs reached £1,232 on average in 2023.
Funeral Partners operates 260 funeral homes across UK as of 2023.
Dignity PLC owns 46% of UK crematoria capacity in 2023.
Co-op Funeralcare has 800 branches, serving 100,000 funerals annually.
85% of funerals are cremations, 15% burials in 2023.
Direct cremations rose from 5% to 25% market share 2018-2023.
42% of families chose personalized funerals in 2023 survey.

The UK funeral industry is growing in value as costs rise and preferences shift toward simpler options.

Costs and Expenses

The average funeral cost £4,225 in 2023, with third-party costs at £1,380.
Cremation fees averaged £1,142 in 2023, up 10%.
Burial plot costs reached £1,232 on average in 2023.
Professional fees for funeral directors averaged £1,845 in 2023.
Coffin costs averaged £1,088, with 40% opting for basic models.
Flowers and tributes cost £178 on average per funeral in 2023.
Pre-paid plans saved families £500 on average compared to pay-at-need.
Direct cremation averaged £1,495 in 2023.
Hearse hire cost £325, limousines £200 per car in 2023 averages.
Venue hire for funerals averaged £450 in 2023.
Catering costs per funeral £350 on average in 2023.
Church fees for funerals £500, non-church £600 average 2023.
Estate administration fees averaged £1,200 in 2023.
Doctor's fees £82, up 5% to 2023.
Coroner fees averaged £250 where required 2023.
Grave maintenance £150 annual average.
London funeral costs £5,492 highest in UK 2023.
Cheapest region NE England £3,617 avg 2023.
28% families received grants covering £500 avg.
Insurance payouts averaged £3,200 per claim 2023.
Savings depleted by funerals for 22% families.
Loans taken for funerals by 5% households 2023.
Credit card payments 12% of funeral bills.

Costs and Expenses Interpretation

It seems the final bill is society's blunt way of reminding us that, from cradle to grave, we're always just one step away from another invoice.

Death and Funeral Numbers

The UK saw 630,000 registered deaths in 2022, leading to a similar number of funerals.
Cremations numbered 466,000 in England and Wales in 2022, 78.4% of total funerals.
Burials decreased to 110,000 in 2022 from 120,000 in 2021.
Scotland recorded 58,000 deaths and funerals in 2022.
Northern Ireland had 16,500 deaths requiring funerals in 2022.
25% of funerals in 2023 were unattended direct cremations.
Humanist funerals reached 12,000 in 2022, up 20%.
Weekly average funerals in UK peaked at 12,000 during winter 2022-23.
65+ age group accounted for 82% of deaths (516,000) in 2022.
COVID-19 related funerals dropped to 5% of total (31,500) in 2022.
Projected deaths to rise to 740,000 annually by 2040.
London had 50,000 funerals in 2022.
Female deaths outnumbered males by 10% (345,000 vs 285,000) in 2022.
Infant funerals were 1,200 in England and Wales 2022.
670,000 deaths registered in UK 2023 provisional.
Excess winter deaths led to 20% funeral spike Q1 2023.
4,500 repatriation funerals annually UK-wide.
Cancer deaths 166,000 prompted funerals 2022.
Heart disease funerals 70,000 in 2022.
Dementia-related 72,000 funerals 2022.
Projected 20% death rise by 2030 to 756,000.
Urban areas host 70% of funerals (442,000) 2022.
Rural burial preference 40% higher than urban.

Death and Funeral Numbers Interpretation

While the traditional burial is slowly being laid to rest, the UK's funeral industry is being reshaped by a rise in pragmatic direct cremations and humanist ceremonies, all while bracing for a looming demographic wave that promises more business than anyone particularly wants.

Market Size and Value

The UK funeral market was valued at £2.45 billion in 2022, representing a 3.2% increase from the previous year driven by rising cremation costs.
Funeral expenditure in the UK reached £2.1 billion in 2023 according to consumer surveys.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK rose to £4,164 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2022.
Pre-paid funeral plans generated £1.2 billion in revenue for providers in 2022.
The direct cremation segment grew to 15% of the market share in 2023, valued at approximately £367 million.
UK funeral director revenues totaled £1.8 billion from traditional funerals in 2021.
The burial sector accounted for 28% of funeral disposals, equating to £686 million in costs in 2022.
Independent funeral directors hold 42% of the market by revenue, approximately £1.03 billion in 2023.
Corporate groups like Funeral Partners reported £250 million turnover in FY2022.
Dignity PLC's UK funeral revenue was £340 million in 2022.
Co-op Funeralcare contributed £400 million to the market in 2023.
75.6% cremation rate in England and Wales peaked in 2022.
Funeral plan sales hit 800,000 policies active in 2023.
Regional variance: Scotland funerals cost £3,800 avg 2023.
NI funeral market £80 million annual value 2022.

Market Size and Value Interpretation

The British seem to be taking the old adage "you can't take it with you" quite literally, as evidenced by a £2.45 billion market where the cost of departure is rising 8.5% annually, leading many to pre-pay £1.2 billion for the privilege and others to choose a no-frills direct cremation, now a £367 million austerity measure for the deceased.

Provider Statistics

Funeral Partners operates 260 funeral homes across UK as of 2023.
Dignity PLC owns 46% of UK crematoria capacity in 2023.
Co-op Funeralcare has 800 branches, serving 100,000 funerals annually.
Independents control 4,200 funeral homes, 60% of total outlets.
Top 5 corporates hold 38% market share by funerals arranged.
12,500 funeral directors employed in UK 2022.
250 crematoria operate in England and Wales, 95% utilization rate.
Funeral Partners conducted 35,000 funerals in FY2022.
Dignity arranged 38,000 funerals in 2022.
70% of funeral homes offer 24/7 bereavement support lines.
Average staff per funeral home is 8, with 40% part-time.
15% of providers offer green burials exclusively in 2023.
Family-run businesses decreased to 55% of providers in 2023.
95% of corporate providers vertically integrated.
1,800 independent sole traders remain active.
Staff turnover 18% in funeral sector 2023.
40% providers female-led or owned 2023.
Training apprenticeships 2,500 in sector 2023.
300 new funeral homes opened 2020-2023.
Closures: 150 independents since 2020.
Online comparison sites used by 35% consumers.
50% providers offer fixed price guarantees.
Hygienists employed by 60% large providers.

Provider Statistics Interpretation

The UK's funeral industry is a fascinating paradox where small, compassionate independents still handle most of our goodbyes, yet the looming corporate giants quietly control the critical infrastructure and are steadily consolidating their grip, all while trying to prove they still have a heart.

Trends and Innovations

85% of funerals are cremations, 15% burials in 2023.
Direct cremations rose from 5% to 25% market share 2018-2023.
42% of families chose personalized funerals in 2023 survey.
Eco-friendly coffins used in 30% of funerals in 2023.
Online streaming of funerals adopted by 65% of providers post-COVID.
Humanist and non-religious funerals at 45% in 2023.
Woodland burials increased 15% year-on-year to 8,000 in 2023.
55% of consumers prefer simple funerals over elaborate.
Electric hearses trialed by 20% of providers in 2023.
Memorial jewelry and keepsakes purchased in 28% of funerals.
35% growth in pre-paid funeral plans since 2020.
Ash scattering gardens used in 40% of cremations 2023.
62% of millennials plan eco-funerals per 2023 poll.
Bilingual funerals rose 12% in diverse areas 2023.
AI memorial videos offered by 10% of directors in 2023.
Charitable donations at funerals £50 million total 2023.
Pet memorials combined with human in 5% cases.
VR funerals piloted for 1,000 remote attendees.
Bamboo coffins 25% market in eco segment.
18% rise in celebrant-led services 2023.
Carbon-neutral funerals offered by 22% providers.
75% prefer natural burial grounds per poll.
Digital legacies managed in 15% estates.
Horse-drawn hearses 2% but up 10% usage.

Trends and Innovations Interpretation

The modern British send-off is a curious, sobering blend of pragmatism and poetry, where ashes are as common as dirt, personalized eco-coffins stream online to far-flung family, and the dearly departed are increasingly remembered by a humanist celebrant, a digital avatar, and perhaps a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, all while the silent growth of woodland burials and electric hearses suggests we're just as concerned with our final footprint as we are with our eternal rest.

Sources & References

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