FAMILIES across the county are being urged to prepare for rising funeral costs.

Charity Age UK Oxfordshire is encouraging families to discuss end of life arrangements after a report warned of soaring funeral expenses.

It comes as the charity aims to tackle the taboos about death as part of Dying Matters Week, which is running until Sunday.

The International Longevity Centre UK said in its report that the cost of a simple funeral is predicted to rise to more than £5,200 over the next five years.

Lisa Keen, of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “Where and how we are finally laid to rest is one aspect of a dignified end of life.

“Of course, it’s a sensitive issue, but discussing wishes with family and considering well in advance the practical arrangements for a funeral and how it should be paid for can save a lot of worry and difficulty at a deeply upsetting time.”

The report, The Funeral Time Bomb, said deaths across the country are predicted to rise, which will increase pressure on funeral services.

Age UK Oxfordshire is hoping to encourage residents to talk about death and bereavement as part of Dying Matters Week.

See ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire for details.