FEW people want to think or talk about dying.

Many put off planning their funerals and arranging how they will be paid for.

In the event of a death, grieving relatives are not in the right frame of mind to go shopping around for the best price, or checking that they are getting what they have paid for.

Most funeral directors offer a sympathetic, professional and personal service at what is a very difficult time for the family.

But there are some who exploit grieving relatives with prices increasing substantially, leaving some families unable to afford the cost of a funeral.

A family would typically spend £3,744 on a cremation and £4,798 for a burial, with another £2,000 being spent on discretionary items, such as flowers and catering.

To put it into context, the funeral market last year was worth £2 billion nationally ­— and the Government has now launched a review of the industry.

It wants to ensure that prices are competitive and that families are not being exploited.

It is a welcome move and funeral directors in Bolton are also behind the plans, with some calling for independent inspectors to monitor standards.

People are legally entitled to carry out their own burials ­— with conditions ­— and cremations, which can help lower the cost.

But this is not practical or suitable for everyone.