Death paper costs slashed

THE cost of death certificates has been slashed considerably following the passing of a Scottish Government bill.

The legislation will see the 147 fee scrapped and replaced with a universal cost of about 30.

Ministers said the move would help families already struggling with the expense of funerals, and help introduce more scrutiny to the system.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "The new changes will mean an improved service for bereaved families - one that is better quality and better value for money.

"These reforms will introduce a universal fee considerably lower than what is currently paid by two-thirds of families in Scotland. This will save bereaved families up to 3.6 million every year."