Councils leaders hope the increase in funeral expenses payments will help lower the number of public health funerals.

The Government has announced benefit claimants will receive up to £1,000 to help meet the costs of a funeral for their loved ones. This includes the cost of a coffin, flowers and funeral directors’ fees.

The payment, which is increasing by 43%, will be on top of existing allowances for burial or cremation fees.

A LGA spokesperson said: 'This increase in funeral expenses payments is something the LGA has long called for and will help eligible families meet the costs of funerals for their loved ones.

'It will also help to reduce costs on councils who are paying for an increasing number of public health funerals where no family or friends are able to arrange or pay for them.'