Unsure where to put this, Avalon Funeral Plans in the News!!!!!!!

 ** EDITED - Removed at Poster's request **

Anyone thinking about taking out such a plan should reseach the topic very carefully. In particular, check the degree of regulation in place. There was a highly informative BBC Radio 4 "You And Yours" episode dealing specifically with Avalon in Spain. It is very much worth a listen. It is still available online from the BBC:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00k0c6s

"DURATION: 18 MINUTES
The funeral company Avalon is accused of phoning a grieving family on the morning of a service and asking for £2,000 to ensure the event went ahead"

Hi All

I would like to reply regarding the above posts.

I personally became very alarmed myself, as my parents have a funeral plan with Avalon so I saw and became worried:

However, after contacting several advisors involved I have found out the following which has put my mind at rest.

1) Daily Mail piece - was personal investment and nothing to do with Avalon

2) The Trust Fund is held in the UK and governed by CAPITA - I contacted them as they look after my teachers pension. All ok and funds in surplus. Trust Funds I am told don´t operate in Spain, but as UK Co also they legally have to hold there.

3) Mike Cooper is no longer a Director for Avalon (checked on companies house), and additionally is not one of the Trustees.
 

 hi paulleech

thanks for your post.

both myself and my partner have funeral plans

fully paid up with avalon so your post is most

welcome. saves me from contacting them.

My mum-in-law had a fully paid up funeral plan through Avalon.

Unexpectedly and totally out of the blue in early September whilst we were on our hols in our own place in Spain (just up the road from mum), mum passed away. The service we received from Avalon was very good. Whilst it has been an extremely traumatic time, with Avalon taking the lead on arranging the funeral service meant that some of the additional pressures in terms of the required formal administrative arrangements etc were taken out of our hands (gladly).

I'm not saying this to promote Avalon in any way .... but hopefully this response will allay some potential concerns of others