FUNERAL costs in Bolton are amongst the cheapest in the North West, new research shows.

Bereaved families will fork out an average of £3,483 this year in the town, with a burial costing £3,753 and a cremation being £3,212.

Only Accrington and St Helens are cheaper places to have a funeral, according to the research from life, pensions and investment company Royal London.

But Royal London’s funeral cost expert, Louise Eaton-Terry, said that families were still forking out too much money and that more state support was needed.

She said: “As bereaved families continue to take on thousands of pounds of debt to pay for their loved ones’ funerals, support from the state remains woefully inadequate.

"The government have tinkered around the edges and made some improvements to the Funeral Expenses Payment benefit, but the fact remains that the fund does not cover the full cost of a simple funeral.

"The value of the fund is seriously lacking with no serious action being taken to increase it and help support the bereaved who are being crippled with funeral debt.”

Bolton Council, which operates seven cemeteries: Astley Bridge, Blackrod, Farnworth, Heaton, Horwich, Tonge and Westhoughton, said it offers 'options' for lower cost funerals. They said that people can book a direct cremation at its crematorium which is cheaper, as there is no service.

It also offers two early morning slots for cremation funerals which cost less.

A council spokesman said: “The death of a loved one is a very stressful and emotional time for families, and funeral directors and the council will work with them to make the process as smooth as possible.

“Funeral costs can also vary widely depending on what families would like. Anyone arranging a funeral can also ask for a low cost funeral option from any funeral director, and get more than one quote.

“Help is also available with costs if family members arranging the funeral are receiving certain benefits.”

"Following a death of someone whose relatives cannot be traced or there are no relatives willing or able to make funeral arrangements we have a statutory duty to help.

“Where possible the council will pay for the funeral using money from the deceased person’s estate, if available.”

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said it had improved the system so families can access funeral expenses payments sooner.

The spokesman said this made the 'very difficult' time of planning a funeral or cremation easier.

The spokesman added: “We are reviewing the additional £700 contribution offered, making sure the scheme is sustainable and remains fair to the taxpayer. Budgeting loans and advances continue to be available to help with funeral costs.”