THE cost of dying has risen almost five per cent in the North-East, a new report states.

Sunlife’s report published today (Thursday, October 16) claims the cost of dying stands at £7,206 in the North- East, with the cost of funerals in the region costing an average £3,466.

People in the North also spend the least amount of money on discretionary items, such as flowers and the wake.

SunLife’s marketing director David Brooks said: “The death of a loved one is already a very difficult time. Yet financial worries and debt can make the experience of planning a funeral even more distressing.

“All our research shows that planning, however small, really helps and we urge families to break the taboo of talking about death and share their wishes.

“Not planning properly for your own passing can cause a significant financial burden on the people left behind, increasing the emotional distress even further.”

Dr Kate Woodthorpe, Sociology lecturer at the University of Bath, said: “The costs associated with the end of life are rising and it is worrying that people are not prepared for what they may have to face.”