The cost of a death certificate trebles in price

25/02/2019
Author: Judith Bromley

The price of a getting a death certificate in England and Wales has nearly tripled. Registering a death now costs £11 for each certificate – a jump from just £4 each.

A death certificate is needed by relatives to prove a death to authorities and institutions, such as banks, building societies, investment firms and life assurance companies. Transferring the ownership of shares also requires a death certificate.

The new mandatory price has been set by the General Register Office, which answers to the Home Office. With more than half a million people dying in England and Wales each year, the price increase is likely to bring in millions of pounds for the government.

The Home Office has defended the move, stating this is the first rise since 2010,however, critics have pointed out that some relatives could need up to 20 certificates to prove to different authorities that their loved one has passed away. Even those whose loved one’s had relatively simple financial affairs could still need 10 certificates, which would increase the bill from £40 to £110.

“This is a financial outlay that many people will struggle to meet, especially those on low incomes”, said Judith Bromley, head of wills and probate at Russell & Russell. “It’s another stealth tax the government has introduced to bring in more money when there’s no extra work to justify the increase.”