Co-Operative Funeral Services on Channel 4's Despatches

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As a solicitor dealing with probate work I have often been shocked when I see funeral bills from the Co-op. When compared to independant funeral directors they seem to be nearly double the price. All was explained when I watched Despatches last night. Their undercover reporter showed the public the hardline selling tactics employed by the Co-op.

This links to the fact that some families who were using Co-operative funeral services were hararrssed by the Co-op into using their legal teams for the probate work. I have heard about one family who were contacted four times in the two weeks after the death of their relative. The calls were to pursuade them that they should use Co-operative legal services. This is shocking behaviour.

 My advice would be to use your local funeral director. In Newcastle upon Tyne I have had dealings with a very nice firm in Wideopen called Duckworth Funeral Directors. They were nearly half the price of the Co-Op. I am not on commission I just feel strongly that people ought to be aware of what is going on.

 Jacqueline Emmerson