50+ Funeral Plans. Peace of mind for you and those close to you. Call us free on

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1 Funeral s Recommended by The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors Registered Provider Corporate Sponsor of Protecting Britain s Woodland for Everyone to Enjoy The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England No and in Scotland No. SC Founding Member FUNERAL PLANNING COUNCIL Peace of mind for you and those close to you Funeral s From HEAD OFFICE: Canniesburn Gate, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BF REGISTERED OFFICE: Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, Camden, London NW1 8EE GC-LIFT 2434 Golden Charter April 2012 Call us free on From The UK s largest independent funeral plan provider

2 The most thoughtful decision you could make Consideration for others is the most common reason for taking out a funeral plan and peace of mind is the most common benefit. With a funeral plan, you choose the funeral you want and pay for your funeral director s services at today s prices, relieving your family of any worries and uncertainty at what will inevitably be a distressing time. You will have made the arrangements in advance, selected the funeral director and taken care of the costs. More than a million people in Great Britain have taken out a funeral plan, over 300,000 of them with Golden Charter, the UK s largest independent funeral plan provider. Page 1 The most thoughtful decision you could make Page 2 A sound financial decision Page 3 Protection against rising funeral costs Page 4 details Page 5 A choice of four funeral plans Page 6 Specify your wishes Page 7 How to take out your plan Page 8 Your questions answered Page 9 Our commitment to customer service With a funeral plan, you'll benefit from: Protection against rising funeral costs No more to pay for your funeral director's services - guaranteed Complete flexibility to choose the funeral you want Guaranteed acceptance - regardless of age or state of health. The funeral plan guarantee The price of funerals, like everything else, keeps going up. However, with a funeral plan, you can protect yourself against these rising costs. No matter how much the cost of your funeral director s services may have increased by the time they are required, they will be covered. You can be sure that once you ve paid for your plan, there will be no more to pay for these services. The Standard, Select and Premier s also include an allowance to cover the third party costs that are not within your funeral director s control. These include the fees for the crematorium, doctors and clergy. Only if these costs were to increase more than the growth of the plan might there be a balance to pay at the time of the funeral. 1

3 A sound financial decision When you take out a funeral plan, you have the reassurance that your money is protected. You select how you wish to pay for your plan and, depending on your choice, your money is paid into the Golden Charter Trust or to one of the UK s leading life assurance companies. The Golden Charter Trust is a separate entity, run by an independent Board of Trustees, whose sole purpose is to manage the Trust s funds. Your money grows and, when the time comes, your selected funeral director receives the payment, including any growth, and uses this money to provide the agreed services to your family. No matter how much costs have risen in the intervening period, your loved ones will not be asked for a penny more for the guaranteed services included within your plan. A funeral plan gives you freedom of choice Some funeral planning companies restrict your choice of funeral director or limit you to set plans. We believe that you should have the freedom to choose what you want in your funeral plan, including what is perhaps the most important choice which funeral director will look after you and your family to ensure your wishes are carried out. Golden Charter works on behalf of more than 2,600 independent funeral directors the largest network in the country. These funeral directors are often family-run businesses who have served their communities for generations. They take pride in offering the best local service to you and your family. Money-back guarantee We want you to be absolutely certain that a funeral plan is right for you. Therefore, within 30 days, if you are not completely satisfied or have simply changed your mind, we ll give you a full refund. Protection against rising funeral costs Back in 2004, an average funeral cost around 1,920. However, recent research shows the average cost of a funeral in the UK is now 3,091 an increase of 61% in seven years, well above the general level of inflation. If this trend continues, the average cost of a funeral in 2018 will be almost 5,000. Paying in advance for your funeral is a sensible decision that will save money, benefiting your family or estate. We guarantee that, as long as your plan is paid for, there ll be no more to pay for the services within your funeral director s control. A real alternative to saving We believe a funeral plan offers a better option than saving for your funeral. In 1991, if you had put 820 (then the average cost of a funeral) into a building society, you would have seen it grow to only 1,323.07* over the next 20 years. However, with the average cost of a funeral now 3,091, your family would have to find an additional 1,767.93, at a very difficult time. Plus, unlike saving for your funeral, you won t have to worry about your family needing access to your savings account before the funeral can be paid for. When the time comes, one phone call to your selected funeral director will activate your plan, relieving your family of the stress of organising funds and making detailed arrangements. s to suit every need, with flexible ways to pay We understand that choice is important, which is why we offer a range of plans that let you choose the kind of funeral you want, from the service and type of, to the music, flowers and readings. We also offer a range of flexible payment options, so you can spread the cost of your plan to suit your circumstances. Please refer to the enclosed Payment Information Sheet for more details about ways to pay , Shortfall Building Society Account Cost of Funeral Mintel September 2011 **Sources: The Investment Research Partnership 2010 Jan 1991 to 31st March 2010 UK Savings index, source Morning Star 2010; Building Societies Association Jul Past performance is not necessarily a guide for the future. 2 3

4 details The Base This is our lowest priced option, which fully guarantees the funeral director s own services and costs only. There is no provision for third party costs, which typically include the cost of the cemetery, crematorium, doctors certificates and the clergy fee. These costs will need to be paid to the funeral director at the time of the funeral. For full price details, please refer to the enclosed Payment Information Sheet. The Standard, Select and Premier s These plans fully guarantee the funeral director s services and include an allowance, as detailed in the current application form, towards the fees for burial or cremation and, where applicable, the recommended payments to doctors and the clergy or officiant. If the current costs in your area differ to those allowed, we will liaise with your local funeral director and let you know. For full price details, please refer to the enclosed Payment Information Sheet. If you are considering burial Our plan prices do not include the purchase of a grave. Please bear in mind that the current costs and availability of graves vary considerably throughout the country and special arrangements may have to be made. Should you choose burial instead of cremation, the Standard, Select and Premier plans include an allowance towards the opening of a new or existing grave. The purchase of a grave and any monumental work would need to be arranged separately. If you wish a religious service With the exception of the Base, each plan includes an allowance towards the fees of clergy attending at the crematorium or cemetery. Any specific requirements at the crematorium, such as an organist or choir, may incur additional costs. If you would like an additional ceremony elsewhere prior to the cremation, any fees for the place of worship, heating, lighting or other services may also incur additional costs which would be payable at the time of the funeral. A choice of four funeral plans What each plan provides: The funeral director s services Advice and guidance on all aspects of the funeral arrangements Advice on the certification and registration of the death and related documentation The Transport of the deceased, within mainland UK, to a suitable resting place within a 15 mile radius (see page 8 for conveyance if on holiday) Care of the deceased prior to burial or cremation (excludes embalming) The use of a chapel of rest, or rest rooms or service rooms, or the conveyance of the deceased to a suitable location Family viewing (during office hours) Cremation or burial (for details see page 4) Hearse and limousine provision Doctors and clergy fees The service at a local crematorium or cemetery (for details see page 4) A full listing of floral tributes Confidential advice concerning bereavement counselling During normal office hours Hearse only A simple Hearse only Hearse and one limousine A high quality 4 5 Base A simple Standard Select A superior Premier 4 During normal office hours Bereavement advice book Hearse and two limousines Bereavement advice book 4 4

5 Specify your wishes Finding the right time to talk to your family about your funeral arrangements can be difficult it s something your loved ones just don t want to think about. With a funeral plan, you can make your personal wishes known, and there is no charge for changing or adding to them at any time. You can request your favourite music, specify the hymns or readings you want whatever will make your funeral special or unique to you. Your family are sure to be grateful when the time comes, knowing that your funeral will be carried out as you would want it. Please note, if any of your requests incur additional costs which are not included in your plan, these costs would be payable at the time of your funeral. A funeral plan offers peace of mind, no matter which plan you choose When you plan for the future by making a Will or taking out life assurance, you think about your loved ones and what you would like to leave them after you ve gone. A funeral plan takes care of many of the things you would prefer not to pass on, such as funeral costs and the distress of making detailed funeral arrangements. Instead, you give your family the comfort and reassurance that they are carrying out your specific wishes. Taking out a funeral plan is one of the most thoughtful decisions you could make How to take out your plan Once you have selected your plan, all you have to do is decide how you wish to pay. Please refer to the enclosed Payment Information Sheet. Then, simply fill out the application form included with this brochure and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided. We appreciate that the decision to buy a funeral plan is not something arrived at lightly. That's why we have a team of UK-based customer service advisors who will be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease, should you need to talk it over. Call our customer service advisors free on: Lines are open 9am 7pm Monday to Thursday, 9am 6pm on Friday, and 10am 2pm on Saturday. Alternatively, you can take out your plan online at: What you ll receive If you are paying by single payment, we ll send you a Certificate of Entitlement to funeral services and a membership card, which should be kept in a safe place, as well as a copy of the Certificate of Entitlement to give to your next of kin so they are aware that you hold a plan, and know how to proceed when the time comes. If you are not paying by a single payment, your application will be acknowledged and a provisional membership card will be issued. Change of address If you move home, please notify us as soon as possible, to allow us to update our records. 6 7

6 Your questions answered Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Golden Charter funeral plans. However, if you have any further questions, we are here to help. Just call our customer service advisors on What if I move to a different area? You may select a different funeral director. Golden Charter should be advised of any permanent change of address as this may affect the plan entitlements (see terms and conditions). What if death occurs while I m on holiday? As an additional benefit, Golden Charter will pay the transportation charges if death occurs away from your permanent address, but still within mainland UK. If you intend to travel overseas, perhaps remaining there for some time, we recommend that your travel or medical insurance policy includes full cover for repatriation costs to your funeral director s premises. What if I m not in good health? We promise to accept your application, regardless of your state of health. What if I want to take out a plan for someone else? Complete the plan holder s representative box on the application form, and we ll arrange for all correspondence to be sent to you. Complete confidentiality is assured. What if I live to be 100? No matter how old you are, no matter how much funeral costs may rise, you and your loved ones will never be asked for a penny more for the services guaranteed within your funeral plan (see terms and conditions). Our commitment to customer service If you are not satisfied with any aspect of your plan, you should in the first instance contact Golden Charter. Call our Head Office freephone number: Or write to us at our Head Office: Canniesburn Gate 10 Canniesburn Drive Bearsden Glasgow G61 1BF Or customerservices@goldencharter.co.uk Golden Charter will respond to your complaint in writing within 7 days of receipt. If Golden Charter cannot resolve your complaint to your entire satisfaction then you should contact the Funeral ning Authority. The Funeral ning Authority Golden Charter Limited is a Registered Provider of Funeral s and complies with the Rules and Code of Practice of the Funeral ning Authority. Non-compliance with these Rules may render Golden Charter liable to disciplinary action by the Funeral ning Authority. The Funeral ning Authority Limited Registered Office 50 Broadway London SW1H0BL Tel: info@funeralplanningauthority.co.uk Recommendations and approvals The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors Golden Charter is the only funeral plan provider recommended by the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), which serves independent funeral directors nationwide

7 Payment Information Sheet PIN Funeral s Payment Information Sheet PIN Prices applicable from 1st April 2012 Funeral s The Base from 2, The Standard from 2, The Select from 3, The Premier from 3, From Fixed monthly payment tables Paying for your Funeral The plan prices indicated are standard prices available in most areas of the UK. In some areas, prices may vary. We will advise you of any variance before processing your application. Select Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Premier Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Golden Charter is required to invest all funeral plan payments into a trust fund regulated by the Funeral ning Authority (FPA) or a whole of life policy regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This means your money is managed independently from Golden Charter itself. In addition, you are protected by the FPA of which Golden Charter is a member. The FPA exists to help protect plan holders interests and ensure that their money is safeguarded. Payment in full Pay a single payment by cheque, debit or credit card Payments in full will be used to take out a single premium whole of life policy with Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Ltd. This will fund your funeral when you die. If you cancel within 30 days, we ll refund the payment you ve made If you cancel after 30 days, we ll refund the payment you ve made, less the cancellation fee (see terms and conditions) There are no medical questions and the plan is available to anyone. Base Standard Select Premier Payment Type Total Payable Total Payable Total Payable Total Payable One Single Payment 2, , , , Payment by 12 instalments Pay for your plan by Direct Debit over 12 months Payments by 12 instalments will be paid into the Golden Charter Trust If you cancel within 30 days, we ll refund the payment you ve made If you cancel after 30 days, we ll refund the instalments you ve made, less the cancellation fee (see terms and conditions) If you die before all instalments have been paid, the outstanding balance will be requested from your family or estate. Alternatively, the plan may be cancelled and we would refund any instalments made less the cancellation fee (see terms and conditions) There are no medical questions and the plan is available to anyone The following table indicates your 12 monthly instalments, depending on the plan you choose. Base Standard Select Premier Total Amount Payable 2, , , , Minimum Deposit Payments of One Payment of Prices correct at 1st April 2012 and subject to change without notice. GC-LIFT P SP-SF IN-GC FP-AX

8 Funeral s Payment Information Sheet PIN From Pay by fixed monthly payments The tables on the following pages show the fixed monthly payments for each plan 1. Refer to the table for your chosen plan (the plan names are at the top of each table). 2. Go to the row that indicates your current age. 3. Your payment is indicated by your gender. If you need any assistance choosing a payment option, or selecting your fixed monthly payment, please call us on Fixed monthly payment tables If you pay by fixed monthly payments, at the end of the first two years, and as long as you keep paying your payments when due, your funeral director s services will be guaranteed. Your funeral arrangements are made with Golden Charter, who will use your payments to take out a whole of life policy with AXA Wealth Ltd. This will fund your funeral when you die. For further information see the terms and conditions. You can pay by fixed monthly payments if you are a UK resident aged between 50 and 80. There are no medical questions Your fixed monthly payments depend on your age, gender and which funeral plan you choose Payments need to be made every month until you are aged 90, or until you die whichever is sooner Your monthly payments must be made by Direct Debit The services included within your funeral plan will only be covered after you've been paying into the plan for two years. If you were to die within the first two years the services included within your funeral plan would not be covered. However, your selected funeral director could still carry out the funeral. The funeral director would receive all of the money you have paid in plus an additional 20% to help towards the cost of your funeral (see terms and conditions) Depending on how long you live, the total cost of the funeral when you die may be less than the total payments made If you cancel within 30 days, your payment will be refunded to you If you cancel after 30 days, or stop paying your payments, your funeral plan will be cancelled and you won t receive anything back. Direct Debit Guarantee: This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, AXA Wealth Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request AXA Wealth Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by AXA Wealth Ltd or your Bank or Building Society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your Bank or Building Society. If you receive a refund that you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when AXA Wealth Ltd asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by contacting your Bank or Building Society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify AXA Wealth Ltd. Base Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Standard Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male P SP-SF IN-GC FP-AX

9 Terms and Conditions TCS Terms and Conditions TCS Funeral s From ALL PAYMENT OPTIONS 10.4 VAT 9.3 No Funeral may be cancelled after your death unless agreed in writing by us with your Estate. If any person wishes, after your death, to have your funeral arrangements carried out by someone instead of the Selected Funeral Director, unless otherwise agreed by us, they must pay for such funeral arrangements themselves. SECTION 10 A GENERAL PROVISIONS WHICH APPLY REGARDLESS OF PAYMENT OPTION CHOSEN 10.1 Instructions We may act in accordance with the instructions of and communicate with either you or your Representative on all matters relating to your Funeral. References to you will therefore include references to your Representative (instead of you) where appropriate. However, in the event of any inconsistency between instructions given by you (including any person legally authorised to deal with your affairs) and by your Representative in relation to the Funeral we will give priority to your instructions (or any such legally authorised persons) Acceptance Within 30 days of receipt of a completed Application Form, we will notify you of our acceptance or rejection of the application. Applications will be rejected where our requirements for applications as specified in the Application Form have not been complied with or it is not completed correctly. No contract exists between us until we have notified you of our acceptance Applicable Law English law applies to your Funeral unless you live in Scotland where Scots law will apply instead. FUNERAL DIRECTOR TERMS & CONDITIONS (2012) FUNERAL PLANS - SFS AND AXA 1 The Selected Funeral Director accepts the terms of the Guarantee specified in this Clause 1 which will be enforceable against the Selected Funeral Director by any and all of the Company, the Member and his/her Representatives in its/his/her own respective name(s) (without prejudice to the rights of any such parties to enforce the terms thereof pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999). Subject to Clauses 1.7, 4.1(iii) and 4.3 of the Terms and Conditions (where payment is by Fixed Monthly Payments), the Selected Funeral Director undertakes and guarantees to (i) carry out the funeral of the Member in terms of the Funeral and the Agreement; and (ii) (subject to Clauses 1.7, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 and 4.1 (iii) of the Terms and Conditions) not charge the Member or the Member s next of kin, executors, trustees or the Representative any additional sums in respect of the Funeral Director s Costs. 2 Subject to such Clauses 1.7, 4.1(iii) and 4.3, the Selected Funeral Director undertakes that he will carry out the funeral arrangements of the Member in accordance with the Agreement, will do so to the highest quality standards and will comply with such procedures as may be intimated in writing by the Company from time to time. The Selected Funeral Director hereby undertakes to free, relieve and indemnify and keep indemnified the Company and the Trust from and against all costs, claims, liabilities, losses or expenses (whether from or due to the Member, the Representative or any other person) arising from his failure to comply in any respect with these Funeral Director Terms and Conditions. On the basis of current legislation, no Value Added Tax has been added to any of the sums payable under your Funeral. If VAT legislation or HM Revenue & Customs practice or interpretation of VAT legislation changes, we may add Value Added Tax to any relevant sum which shall then be payable by you or your Estate Complaints If you are not satisfied with any aspect of your Funeral, you should in the first instance contact us. Call our Head Office freephone number: Or write to us at our Head Office: Canniesburn Gate 10 Canniesburn Drive Bearsden Glasgow G61 1BF Or customerservices@goldencharter.co.uk We will respond to your complaint in writing within 7 days of receipt. If we cannot resolve your complaint to your entire satisfaction then you should contact: The Funeral ning Authority Limited Registered Office 50 Broadway London SW1H 0BL Tel: info@funeralplanningauthority.co.uk 3 Upon completion of the Member s funeral arrangements the Selected Funeral Director will be entitled to payment from the Company and should invoice the Company for the sum intimated by the Company for the relevant Funeral as at the date of the Member s funeral subject (1) to the Selected Funeral Director having no recourse against the Company or the Trust in the event that the sum so intimated by the Company is lower than the relevant parts of the original Funeral cost; and (2) to the Selected Funeral Director having no recourse against the Member or his/her Representative(s) or the next of kin, trustees or executors of the Member except to the extent detailed in Clauses 1.7, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 or 4.1 (iii) of the Terms and Conditions; and (3) to the Selected Funeral Director s entitlement to obtain reimbursement for any difference between the amount of estimated Third Party Costs and (if higher) the actual level of Third Party Costs or, where Clause 2.6 of the Terms and Conditions applies, the full amount of Third Party Costs incurred at the time the funeral arrangements of the Member are carried out. 4 In the event of a change of Selected Funeral Director pursuant to the Terms and Conditions, the existing Selected Funeral Director undertakes to cooperate fully with the Company and the new Selected Funeral Director in the transfer of the Funeral for the benefit and peace of mind of the Member and further agrees that the Company may provide all information it regards appropriate regarding the Funeral to the new Selected Funeral Director. 5 Definitions are contained in the 50 Plus Funeral s Terms & Conditions (SFS Single Premium and AXA FMP) ( Terms and Conditions ) as current from time to time. FUNERAL PLANS TERMS & CONDITIONS (SFS SINGLE PREMIUM AND AXA FMP) 1 DEFINITIONS We use the following definitions in your Funeral : Base means the simplified version of the Funeral (where all Third Party Costs must be paid in full at the time of your funeral) as set out in Section 2.2; Amount Payable means (where payment is made by the Single Payment Option or by the Instalment Option) the total sum payable for your Funeral (excluding additional sums payable as referred to in Section 7); Application Form means our application form for your Funeral ; Brochure means our Funeral Brochure which includes these Terms and Conditions and the Application Form; Certificate of Entitlement means the document giving details of your Funeral given to you as referred to in Section 2; Deposit means, where you have chosen the Instalment Option, the first payment to be made by you; Estate means your next of kin, executors, trustees and/or your Representative who are legally authorised to act for you after your death; Fixed Monthly Option means the payment option defined in Section 2.1.3; Fixed Monthly Payment means, where the Fixed Monthly Option is chosen, the monthly amount confirmed by us which will be used to purchase the life assurance policy referred to in Section 5; Funeral Director Arrangement Fee means the Selected Funeral Director s fee for arranging your Funeral as detailed in the Application Form; Funeral Director s Costs means the Selected Funeral Director s fees and costs for your funeral as specified in the Application Form including any Funeral Director Arrangement Fee (but excluding Third Party Costs); Funeral Director Terms and Conditions means the terms and conditions accepted by the Selected Funeral Director for your Funeral which incorporate the Guarantee; Funeral means the prepaid funeral services offered by us as part of the Funeral and the terms on which they are to be provided as set out in (1) the Application Form (2) these Terms and Conditions (3) the Brochure and (4) the Funeral Director Terms and Conditions; Guarantee means the guarantee to provide your funeral given by the Selected Funeral Director contained in the Funeral Director Terms and Conditions; Instalment Option means the payment option defined in Section 2.1.2; Representative means your Representative (if any) as detailed on the Application Form; Selected Funeral Director means the funeral director selected by us under the Funeral ; Set Period means the period of up to 12 months over which we may accept payment of the Amount Payable by instalments where the Instalment Option is chosen; SFASL means Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited; Single Payment means, where you are paying for your Funeral by one lump sum, the amount specified in the Application Form which will be used to purchase the life assurance policy referred to in Section 3; Single Payment Option means the payment option defined in Section 2.1.1; Third Party Costs means those costs and fees to be paid by us or by the Selected Funeral Director to third parties (ie anyone except us or the Selected Funeral Director) and are included as estimates in the Application Form; Trust means The Golden Charter Trust; we or us means Golden Charter Limited, Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, Camden, London NW1 8EE; you means the person whose funeral arrangements are to be provided for under the Funeral (whether purchased by you or by another person on your behalf). SECTION 2 2 YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS AND THEIR KEY FEATURES 2.1 You may choose three different payment options for your Funeral : the Single Payment Option where the Amount Payable is paid in a Single Payment which will be used to purchase a life assurance policy on your life (with us as beneficiary) as detailed in Section 3; the Instalment Option where the Amount Payable is paid in instalments over a Set Period and the instalments and Set Period are detailed in the Application Form and confirmed in an agreement as referred to in Section 4.4; or the Fixed Monthly Option where your monthly payment will be used to purchase a life assurance policy on your life (with us as beneficiary) as detailed in Section You may choose the Base version of the Funeral which can be paid using any of the above methods. No Third Party Costs are covered. You agree that we and/or the Selected Funeral Director may incur all appropriate Third Party Costs for your chosen funeral arrangements. Your Estate must pay: (1) the amount of all Third Party Costs incurred in carrying out your funeral arrangements; and (2) any Value Added Tax due. No one else is responsible for such amounts. Where the Base has been chosen, all references to Third Party Costs must be read subject to this Section If you choose the Single Payment Option: your payment will be used to purchase a life assurance policy on your life with SFASL (See Section 3); you must be under the age of 100 and a UK resident at the date of application and there are no health restrictions; your Funeral becomes effective following our acceptance as set out in Section 10.2; if your application is accepted and the Amount Payable has been paid we will send you a personalised membership card and Certificate of Entitlement; and Section 3 applies. 2.4 If you choose the Instalment Option: there are no age or health restrictions; your Funeral becomes effective following our acceptance as set out in Section 10.2 but the Amount Payable must have been paid before you will get your Funeral benefits (see Section 4.5); a provisional membership card will be issued which will be replaced by a membership card and a Certificate of Entitlement when the Amount Payable has been paid; and Section 4 applies. Copyright Golden Charter September 2012 GC-LIFT 3917 Copyright Golden Charter September P SP-SF IN-GC FP-AX

10 Terms and Conditions TCS Funeral s 2.5 If you choose the Fixed Monthly Option: your payments will be used to purchase a life assurance policy on your life with AXA Wealth Limited (see Section 5); you must be between the ages of 50 and 80 and a UK resident at the date of application and there are no health restrictions; our acceptance procedure is set out in Section 10.2; a provisional membership card will be issued which will be replaced by a membership card and a Certificate of Entitlement when Fixed Monthly Payments have been made for a period of 2 years; other than in very limited circumstances you have no right to any repayment on cancellation (see Section 9.2); your Funeral only becomes fully effective after 2 years (see Section 5.5); your Fixed Monthly Payments must be paid up to date before you will get your Funeral benefits (see Section 5.5); and Section 5 applies. 2.6 Any person over the age of 16 (in Scotland) and over the age of 18 (in England and Wales) with an insurable interest in your life can take out a Funeral for your benefit. Such a person will be your Representative. 2.7 For all payment options, the price of your Funeral specified in the Application Form includes our administration and marketing fees which are deducted from that sum. SECTION 3 SECTION 3 APPLIES ONLY WHERE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE SINGLE PAYMENT OPTION 3.1 You may choose to pay by cheque made payable as specified in the Application Form for the Single Payment with the completed Application Form. Alternatively Single Payments may be paid by an approved debit or credit card. 3.2 If the Single Payment Option is chosen, no payments will be made to the Trust. Instead, payments will be used by us to buy a whole of life assurance policy on your life with SFASL. We will be the beneficiary of that policy not you or your Estate. The proceeds of that policy will belong to us to enable us to pay for your funeral services. SFASL will administer and service the policy. SFASL are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. However, all funeral services are arranged and provided by us. We are a registered provider with the Funeral ning Authority and are not required to be authorised by the Financial Services Authority. 3.3 You must notify us in writing of any change to your Funeral (including your address or funeral requirements), as soon as reasonably possible after the change. A change to your Funeral which is likely to have a significant cost impact (such as increased transportation costs) may result in the appointment by us of a new Selected Funeral Director and/or an increase in the Funeral Director s Costs and/or Third Party Costs. If, as a result of such a change, the existing or new Selected Funeral Director reasonably needs to increase the Funeral Director s Costs, the estimate of Third Party Costs or charge a Funeral Director Arrangement Fee, you must either pay such additional sums within 30 days of our request or the Funeral will be cancelled and a refund made under Section Prior to your funeral taking place your Estate must submit a full original or certified copy of your death certificate to us. SECTION 4 SECTION 4 APPLIES ONLY WHERE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE INSTALMENT OPTION 4.1 You may choose to pay by cheque made payable to the Trust for the Deposit with the completed Application Form. Alternatively Deposits may be paid by an approved debit or credit card. 4.2 You must notify us in writing of any change to your Funeral (including your address or funeral requirements), as soon as reasonably possible after the change. A change to your Funeral which is likely to have a significant cost impact (such as increased transportation costs) may result in the appointment by us of a new Selected Funeral Director and/or an increase in the Funeral Director s Costs and/or Third Party Costs. If, as a result of such a change, the existing or new Selected Funeral Director reasonably needs to increase the Funeral Director s Costs, the estimate of Third Party Costs or charge a Funeral Director Arrangement Fee, you must either pay such additional sums to the Trust within 30 days of our request or the Funeral will be cancelled and a refund made under Section All sums received from you in respect of your Funeral will be paid directly to the Trust without deduction. The Trust has authorised payments from the Trust s funds: to us in order to pay the Selected Funeral Director at the time of your funeral or prior to that time in respect of any Funeral Director Arrangement Fee; in respect of refunds; to us to meet our overheads and operating expenses at a level agreed between us and the Trust and reviewed from time to time. 4.4 Upon signature of the Application Form you are contractually bound to pay the Amount Payable (subject to your cancellation rights under Section 9). Where we agree to accept payment of the Amount Payable by 12 instalments over a Set Period you agree to the terms of our specified credit agreement, which we will send to you separately. 4.5 If, at the date of your death, any instalment is in arrears or any part of the Amount Payable remains unpaid the Funeral benefits will still be available but only if any balance of the Amount Payable outstanding is paid by your Estate. If the outstanding balance is not paid the Funeral will be cancelled and a refund made under Section You are entitled to make early settlement of the Amount Payable. To make early settlement you must pay the balance of the Amount Payable then unpaid. SECTION 5 SECTION 5 APPLIES ONLY WHERE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE FIXED MONTHLY OPTION 5.1 If the Fixed Monthly Option is chosen, no payments will be made to the Trust. Instead, payments will be used by us to buy a whole of life assurance policy on your life with AXA Wealth Limited. We will be the beneficiary of that policy not you or your Estate. The proceeds of that policy will belong to us to enable us to pay for your funeral services. You (or any person taking out the Funeral for your benefit) will need to complete a Direct Debit instruction in favour of AXA Wealth Services Limited who will collect the monthly payments. AXA Wealth Limited and AXA Wealth Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. However, all funeral services are arranged and provided by us. We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Services Authority but we are a registered provider with the Funeral ning Authority. This means that you will benefit from any applicable protections available through the Funeral ning Authority s regulations but not those available under the Financial Service Authority s regulations. 5.2 Any change to your Funeral (including your address or funeral requirements) which is likely to have a significant cost impact may require a change of Selected Funeral Director. If so, the Guarantee given by the original Selected Funeral Director will lapse. A new Selected Funeral Director will be allocated by us and while reasonable efforts will be made by us to obtain a Guarantee from the new Selected Funeral Director, the new Selected Funeral Director may require additional sums at the time of your funeral to accommodate your wishes in line with your Funeral. You will be advised in writing of an estimate of these additional costs as at the date of the transfer to the new Selected Funeral Director. The new Selected Funeral Director will treat the proceeds available from the life assurance policy referred to in Section 5.1 as a contribution towards your funeral costs. Your monthly payments will not change in any way and your Estate must make a separate payment for any additional costs and/or Third Party Costs to the new Selected Funeral Director at the time of the funeral. 5.3 Except as stated in Section 5.2 you will be unable to modify or amend any of the arrangements in your Funeral before the funeral. Any proposed changes or additions made to such arrangements at the time of your funeral must be agreed separately with the Selected Funeral Director with additional payment for any amended or additional services or items made (without our involvement) direct to the Selected Funeral Director. 5.4 The Fixed Monthly Payments will be fixed and cannot be altered. The amount of the Fixed Monthly Payment is determined by the Funeral chosen by you, any personalisation options included within your Funeral and your age and gender. The Fixed Monthly Payment will be confirmed in writing once your application has been received and processed. The first payment will be taken 6 to 7 weeks after the start date of your Funeral which is the date on which we accept your application (see Section 10.2). You must keep paying them until the anniversary of the start date prior to your 90th birthday, or until your death, if sooner, when payments stop. If any Fixed Monthly Payments are not made on the due date(s), you will be advised of this and we will allow 30 days of grace during which time you can pay the outstanding payments and the Funeral will be unaffected. If the outstanding Fixed Monthly Payment(s) are not received within 30 days you will be sent a reminder. If the outstanding Fixed Monthly Payments are still not paid, then the Funeral will be cancelled and you will not get any money back. 5.5 If your date of death is more than 2 years from your Funeral s start date, any outstanding Fixed Monthly Payments (maximum 1 month) must be paid prior to receipt of the Funeral benefits. If your date of death is less than 2 years from the start date, the benefits of the Funeral including the Guarantee will not be available. Instead, we will, provided that all Fixed Monthly Payments due at the date of death have been paid, (1) pay a sum equivalent to 120% of the Fixed Monthly Payments actually paid, to the Selected Funeral Director as a contribution towards your funeral costs (with your Estate making a separate payment directly to the Selected Funeral Director of all additional costs and Third Party Costs required to carry out the funeral arrangements as advised by the Selected Funeral Director) or (2) if confirmed in writing by your Estate, pay that sum to it. SECTION 6 WHAT IS COVERED BY YOUR FUNERAL PLAN? 6 Unless you have chosen the Base version of your Funeral and subject to the exceptions set out in Sections 5 and 7, your Funeral will include: 6.1 all the Funeral Director s Costs; and 6.2 estimated Third Party Costs at the level specified in the Application Form. If you have chosen the Base only the Funeral Director s Costs will be paid for. SECTION 7 WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR FUNERAL PLAN? 7.1 Your Funeral will require you or your Estate to pay additional sums as follows: where there has been a change to your Funeral and Sections 3.3, 4.2 or 5.2 apply, the amount required under these Sections; any difference between the amount of estimated Third Party Costs detailed in the Application Form and the actual amount (if greater) of Third Party Costs incurred by us or the Selected Funeral Director at the time of your funeral; any additional amounts required to be paid under Section 8.2; all Third Party Costs where the Base option has been chosen; any Value Added Tax due under Section 10.5; and any sum due under Section 4.5 where the Amount Payable has not been fully paid or any arrears of Fixed Monthly Payments under Section Your Estate must, to enable the Selected Funeral Director to carry out your funeral arrangements, pay to us or to our order the additional sums referred to in this Section 7. Neither the Trust nor us nor the Selected Funeral Director nor (where the Single Payment Option or the Fixed Monthly Payment Option is chosen) SFASL nor AXA Wealth Limited nor AXA Wealth Services Limited (as appropriate) will be responsible for those sums. SECTION 8 SELECTED FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND YOUR FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS 8.1 We will appoint the Selected Funeral Director as our sub contractor to carry out your funeral arrangements and will, subject to Sections 5.2, 5.5 and 7 have the Selected Funeral Director provide the Guarantee. We will use reasonable efforts to ensure that the highest quality of service is provided by the Selected Funeral Director. 8.2 Where you have chosen the Single Payment Option or the Instalment Option (but not where you have chosen the Fixed Monthly Option) you may at any time prior to your death, by giving us written notice, request the appointment of a different Selected Funeral Director. We will use reasonable efforts to comply with your request. If such a change is reasonably capable of being made and is made by us, we will notify you. A change of Selected Funeral Director may result in additional sums being payable by you at the time of change due to differences in either or both of the Funeral Director s Costs of the new Selected Funeral Director and/or the Third Party Costs expected to be incurred by the new Selected Funeral Director. If the new Selected Funeral Director wishes to increase either or both of the Funeral Director s Costs or estimate of Third Party Costs or charge a Funeral Director Arrangement Fee, you must either pay such additional sums as we may notify in writing within 30 days of such notification or the Funeral will be cancelled and a refund made under Section 9. We will have no liability to you if such a change is not reasonably capable of being made and is not made. If the appointment of a different Selected Funeral Director is not possible or reasonably practicable for any reason or if you do not pay any additional sums required, your Funeral will be cancelled and a refund will be available under Section We have the right to appoint a Selected Funeral Director if you do not appoint one, or when there is no Selected Funeral Director appointed due to the operation of Section We will ensure that the Selected Funeral Director carries out your funeral arrangements in accordance with your Funeral or, in the event of failure by the Selected Funeral Director, that an alternative Selected Funeral Director chosen by us carries out the funeral arrangements in the same manner (subject to Sections 5 and 7). 8.5 Our responsibility will only be for the performance of your funeral arrangements as specified in the Funeral. We will have no responsibility for any additional services, items or costs unless we or the Selected Funeral Director were responsible for organising or providing those items or services. SECTION 9 YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL AND GET A REFUND SINGLE PAYMENT OPTION AND INSTALMENT OPTION ONLY 9.1 A refund of all sums paid will be made (in line with the Application Form) if written notice of cancellation is received by us within 30 days of our written acceptance. If written notice of cancellation is received after such 30 day period, we will charge a cancellation fee of 199 and the Selected Funeral Director will retain any Funeral Director Arrangement Fee. Those sums will be deducted from the sums to be refunded. FIXED MONTHLY OPTION ONLY 9.2 If you wish to cancel the Funeral (1) within 30 days of our written acceptance, you must send written notice to us and any payments made by you or on your behalf will be refunded in full; or (2) after such 30 day period, you must send written notice to us; there is no cash in value at any time and no refund of any sums paid will be made. In both cases the Funeral will be cancelled. Copyright Golden Charter September 2012 Copyright Golden Charter September P SP-SF IN-GC FP-AX

11 GC-LIFT 4106 GC AFFINITIES IFA DL LEAFLET2_Layout 1 05/10/ :24 Page 1 Key benefits of a funeral plan Golden Charter works on behalf of the largest network of independent funeral directors in the UK over 2,800 in fact giving you the widest choice. Over 60% of funerals in the UK are carried out by independent funeral directors, and many of these are family run businesses that have served their communities for generations. We believe this offers you a local, personal service that makes a difference. Funeral Review Stephen Pett 2 Hankham Street, Pevensey BN24 5BG Tel: support1@probated.co.uk HEA D OFFICE: Canniesburn Gate, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BF REGISTER E D OFFI CE : Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, Camden, London NW1 8EE GC-LIFT 4106 Golden Charter July 2012 Peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of in advance Save money by fixing your funeral director s costs at today s prices Reassurance that your family won t face any uncertainty or worries A guarantee of no more to pay for your funeral director's services A personal, caring service from a local independent funeral director Low monthly payments using the fixed monthly payment option Guaranteed acceptance with no health restrictions Funeral s Golden Charter, the UK s largest independent funeral planners Peace of mind for you and those close to you Registered Provider Founding Member Recommended by From FUNERAL PLANNING COUNCIL The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors The UK s largest independent funeral plan provider

12 GC-LIFT 4106 GC AFFINITIES IFA DL LEAFLET2_Layout 1 05/10/ :24 Page 4 Funeral s Taking care of your funeral costs Choose a plan to suit you The most thoughtful decision you could make With a funeral plan from Golden Charter, you choose the funeral you want and pay for your funeral director s services at today s prices, relieving your family of worry and uncertainty at what will inevitably be a distressing time. You will have made the arrangements in advance, selected the funeral director and taken care of the costs. Nearly a million people have taken out a funeral plan, over 300,000 of them with Golden Charter, the UK s largest independent funeral plan provider. Back in 2004, an average funeral cost around 1,920. However, recent research shows the average cost of a funeral in the UK is now 3,284 an increase of 71% in eight years, well above the general level of inflation. If this trend continues, the average cost of a funeral in 2020 will be almost 5,600. Paying in advance for your funeral is a sensible decision that will save money, benefiting your family or estate. We guarantee that, as long as your plan is paid for, there ll be no more to pay for your funeral director s services. A real alternative to saving We believe a funeral plan offers a better option than saving for your funeral , Shortfall A choice of four funeral plans What each plan provides: The funeral director s services Advice and guidance on all aspects of the funeral arrangements The The use of a chapel of rest, or rest rooms or service rooms, or the conveyance of the deceased to a suitable location Family viewing Base A simple Standard A simple Select A superior Premier A high quality funeral plans have a unique combination of benefits: Guaranteed no more to pay for your funeral director s services Specify the arrangements to reflect your wishes As you'll see from the graph, in 2000, if you had put 1,215* (then the average cost of a funeral) into a building society, you would have seen it grow to only 1,438.57** over the next 12 years. However, with the average cost of a funeral now 3,284, your family would have to find an additional 1,845.43, at a very difficult time. Flexible ways to pay Our most affordable option is to pay by fixed monthly payments. No deposit is required and the amount you pay depends upon your age, gender and which plan you choose. Alternatively, you can cover the full cost of your plan in a single payment, or pay over 12 months, at no extra cost Building Society Account Cost of Funeral Mintel September 2012 *Sources: Survey Of Funeral Costs In Britain 2000 commissioned by The Oddfellows. **Building Societies Association, average savings rates Jan Jul Past performance is not necessarily a guide for the future. Cremation or burial*** Hearse and limousine provision Doctors and clergy fees Confidential advice concerning bereavement counselling Hearse only Bereavement advice book Hearse only Hearse and one limousine Hearse and two limousines Bereavement advice book *** Each plan (excluding Base ) includes an allowance towards the fees for burial or cremation and the recommended payments to doctors and the clergy. Any specific requirements such as an organist or choir, or an additional ceremony elsewhere from the crematorium, will incur additional charges. s do not include the purchase of a grave, but include an allowance towards the opening of a new grave (excluding Base ). Please see terms and conditions for full details.

13 Application Form APP Prices applicable from 1st April 2012 Funeral s Presented by: From Please complete in block capitals and ensure all sections are completed: 1 Holder (The Member) Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: Date of Birth: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Telephone No(s): Full name of Next of Kin: Relationship to the plan holder: 2 Holder s Representative ONLY TO BE COMPLETED IF DIFFERENT TO SECTION 1, PLAN HOLDER If you are taking out the plan for someone else and do not wish us to write to them, please enter your details below. All future correspondence will be sent to you. Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: Relationship to the holder: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Telephone No(s): 3 Funeral Details Chosen Funeral Type Cremation Burial (please tick): Please note: The Standard, Select and Premier plans include an allowance of 915 towards the fees for burial or cremation and other third party costs. s do not include the purchase of a grave. Included within the allowance is a service at the crematorium or cemetery. An additional ceremony elsewhere, or any specific requirements at the crematorium, may incur an additional cost, which would be payable at the time of the funeral. Selected Funeral Director: Name Address 4 Additional Information and Special Requests Please provide details of any special requests or requirements, grave details if known, or any other relevant information. Please note that some requirements may incur an additional cost, to be paid at the time of your funeral. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary. 5 Client Declaration Signature of Holder or their Representative: I accept the current Golden Charter Funeral s Terms and Conditions. Date: Use of your data: Golden Charter will use your details including your address to keep you informed about our products and services. If you do not wish to receive this information, please tick here: Golden Charter respects your privacy and will not share your personal data with any third parties for marketing purposes. FOR GOLDEN CHARTER PROCESSING USE ONLY Enquiry Number: Number: App. Date FD ID: 50P SP-SF IN-GC FP-AX Start Date: Seller ID: Funeral Director Signature: Name: Date: Copyright Golden Charter September 2012 Please turn over and complete the reverse of this form

14 6 Select Your Funeral Base Standard Select Premier Please select your plan: 2,295 2,900 3,150 3,450 7 Select Your Payment Type The plan prices below are standard prices available in most areas of the UK. In some areas, prices may vary. We will advise you of any variance before processing your application. Please complete either A, B or C Please make cheques payable to Golden Charter Holder Trust Account A Payment in full by cheque or Debit / Credit Card or B Payment by 12 Instalments (at no additional cost) Base Standard Select Premier Please complete section 9 below Originators Identification Number Deposit: Please tick your chosen payment method for your deposit to the value stated: Cheque (payable to Golden Charter Trust ) OR Debit / Credit card (complete section 9 below) Instalments: Complete section 8 for payment by Direct Debit for monthly instalments of: Followed by a final instalment of: On receipt of your completed application form and your deposit payment, Golden Charter will send you a credit agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 confirming the terms of payment. Payments will be taken on or around the 28th of each month. or C Payment by Fixed Monthly Payments Complete Section 8 for payment by Direct Debit for the fixed monthly payment amount of: (Please refer to separate Payment Information Sheet for full information and fixed monthly payment amounts) Payments will be taken each month on or around the same day of the month that your plan starts from. Payments are made to AXA Wealth Ltd. (Sun Life Direct), Department NPE/Servicing, PO Box 446, Bristol, BS99 1DR. 8 Payment by Direct Debit Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay Direct Debits Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit from some types of account please check before completing form. Originators Identification Number To: The Manager of Address: Postcode: Names of Account Holder(s): Branch Sort Code: Bank or Building Society Account No: Please pay Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. Signature: Date: Signature: Date: 9 Payment by Debit / Credit Card By Debit Card: Maestro Visa Debit Visa Electron By Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Name on Card: Card number: Valid from: Expires: 1 or 2 digit issue number (if applicable): 3 digit security code (on reverse of card): Signature: Date: Please return in the FREEPOST envelope provided, or post to Golden Charter, FREEPOST PLUS RRSS-XAGT-ECBE, Canniesburn Gate, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BF. Any questions? Call us free on Golden Charter Limited is a Registered Provider of Funeral s and complies with the Rules and Code of Practice of the Funeral ning Authority ( Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited and AXA Wealth Ltd are regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority. GC-LIFT 3026 Golden Charter Ltd. Registered in England No Registered Office: Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, London NW1 8EE