Charity Funeral Plans

Transcription

1 Charity Funeral Plans Peace of mind for you and those close to you From The UK s largest independent funeral plan provider

2 1 The most thoughtful decision you could make 2 A sound financial decision 3 Protection against rising funeral costs 4 Plan details 5 A choice of four funeral plans 6 Personalise your plan 7 How to take out your plan 8 Your questions answered 9 Our commitment to customer service

3 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 Charity funeral plan from Golden Charter, you choose the funeral you want and pay for it 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 and taken care of the costs. More than 860,000 people in Great Britain have taken out a funeral plan, over 250,000 of them with Golden Charter, the UK s largest independent funeral plan provider. A Charity funeral plan puts your mind at ease with a unique combination of benefits: Guaranteed no more to pay if you choose to be cremated* A donation of 25 is made by us to your chosen UK registered charity Personalise the arrangements to reflect your wishes A legacy for future generations via the WoodlandTrust The Charity funeral plan guarantee The price of funerals, like everything else, keeps going up. However, with a Charity funeral plan, you can protect yourself against these rising costs. No matter how much the price of the guaranteed services in your plan has increased by the time the services 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 if you choose to be cremated. * Each plan includes the funeral director services, which are fully guaranteed.there are also some third party costs included in the plans, which are paid on your behalf by your funeral director.these include the crematorium fees and the recommended doctors and clergy fees.these essential costs are guaranteed to be paid in full, which means your family or estate won t be charged a penny more. * If you are under 50, please contact Golden Charter s customer service advisors on to establish any additional cost for a fully guaranteed plan. *Excludes The Easier Way plan, see terms and conditions for details. 1

4 A sound financial decision When you take out a Charity 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 CharterTrust or to one of the UK s leading life assurance companies.the Golden CharterTrust is a separate entity, run by an independent Board oftrustees, whose sole purpose is to manage thetrust 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 personal service from your local independent funeral director When you apply for a Charity funeral plan, Golden Charter will appoint a local independent funeral director, who will take care of your arrangements when required. Golden Charter works on behalf of more than 2,100 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. A benefit for your favourite charity Our plans offer you the best value, as well as giving you the option of selecting a charity to benefit from your purchase. When you take out a Charity funeral plan, we will make a donation of 25 to a UK registered charity of your choice (see terms and conditions). Money-back guarantee We want you to be absolutely certain that a Charity 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 full refund. 2

5 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 2,857 an increase of 49% in seven years,well above the general level of inflation. With costs estimated to increase a further 30% to 3,719 by 2015,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, the cost of the funeral specified within your plan will be covered in full, no matter how much prices rise. 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 1,272.02* over the next 19 years. However, with the average cost of a funeral now 2,857, your family would have to find an additional 1,584.98, 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. Plans 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 coffin, 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 2010 *Source:The Investment Research Partnership 2010 Jan 1991 to 31st March 2010 UK Savings index, source Morning Star Past performance is not necessarily a guide for the future. 3

6 Plan details The Easier Way plan 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 need. For full price details, please refer to the enclosed Payment Information Sheet. The Popular, Classical and Symphony plans These plans fully guarantee the funeral director s services and the third party costs, such as the fees for cremation and the recommended payments to doctors and the clergy.these plans offer exceptional value for money, and ensure your family will have no more to pay for the guaranteed services specified within your plan. 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 Popular, Classical and Symphony 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 EasierWay plan, each plan includes 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. Any of these additions can be added to your plan as personalisation options (see page 6). 4

7 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 EASIER WAY PLAN THE POPULAR PLAN THE CLASSICAL PLAN THE SYMPHONY PLAN Advice on the certification and registration of the death and related documentation The coffin A simple coffin A simple coffin A superior coffin A high quality coffin 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) During normal office hours During normal office hours 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 Cremation or burial (for details see page 4) Hearse and limousine provision Hearse only Hearse only Hearse and one limousine Hearse and two limousines 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 social and personal matters, e.g. bereavement counselling Bereavement advice book Bereavement advice book 5

8 Personalise your plan Your personal wishes can be included in any plan*. Floral tributes and newspaper notices are the most frequent requests, but there is nothing to stop you from having something more elaborate or unique. To add personalisation options to your plan, please speak to one of Golden Charter s friendly advisors, who will establish the additional cost for you. When you re completely happy about the extra arrangements and the price, they will be added to your preferred plan through the Personalisation section on your application form. * Excludes The Easier Way plan, see terms and conditions for details. A Charity funeral plan offers peace of mind, no matter which plan you choose When you plan for the future by making awill or taking out life assurance, you think about your loved ones and what you would like to leave them after you ve gone. A Charity 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 Charity funeral plan is one of the most thoughtful decisions you could make. An extra benefit through The Woodland Trust Since 1995, Golden Charter has helped the Woodland Trust the UK s leading conservation charity plant over 200,000 trees through our unique relationship. For every Charity funeral plan purchased, we will make a donation of 2.00 to help the Woodland Trust continue to create woodland across the UK. If you would like details of thewoodlandtrust sites in the UK and information on legacies, please visit 6

9 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. If you d like to personalise your plan using the Personalisation Option, please call an advisor on We appreciate that the decision to buy a funeral plan is not something arrived at lightly.that's why Golden Charter 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 Golden Charter as soon as possible, to allow us to update our records. 7

10 Your questions answered Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Charity 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 and costs guaranteed within your funeral plan (see terms and conditions). 8

11 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 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 Planning Authority Limited Registered Office 50 Broadway London SW1H 0BL Tel: info@funeralplanningauthority.co.uk Golden Charter Limited is a Registered Provider of Funeral Plans and complies with the Rules and Code of Practice of the Funeral Planning Authority. Non-compliance with these Rules may render Golden Charter liable to disciplinary action by the Funeral Planning Authority. 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. The Funeral Planning Authority The Funeral Planning Authority was created in response to Government legislation introduced to ensure protection of money paid by consumers for pre-paid funeral plans. 9

12 Recommended by Registered Provider Corporate Sponsor of Founding Member The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors Protecting Britain s Woodland for Everyone to Enjoy The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England No and in Scotland No. SC FUNERAL PLANNING COUNCIL Charity Funeral Plans From HEAD OFFICE: Canniesburn Gate, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BF REGISTERED OFFICE: Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, Camden, London NW1 8EE Golden Charter April 2011 CALL US FREE ON

13 Application Form Prices applicable from 1st November 2011 Charity Funeral Plans From The Easier Way From 1, The Popular Plan From 2, The Classical Plan From 3, The Symphony Plan From 3, Presented by The plan prices shown are standard prices available in most areas of the UK. In a few areas plan prices may vary. We will advise you of any variance that applies before processing your application. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM CLEARLY IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND ENSURE ALL BOLD BOXES ARE COMPLETED A Plan Holder (The Member) Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: Date of Birth: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Religion: Telephone No(s): B Plan Holder s Next of Kin / Executor (please specify one person only) Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: Relationship: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Date of Birth: Telephone No(s): C Plan Holder s Representative ONLY TO BE COMPLETED IF DIFFERENT TO SECTION A - PLAN HOLDER e.g. if you are purchasing the plan for someone else and do not wish us to write to them, please enter your details and address below, to which all future correspondence will be sent. The funeral director should not be the representative unless specifically requested by the plan holder. Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: Relationship: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Telephone No(s): Date of Birth: Please note that if you are paying by fixed monthly payments, you should ensure that the plan holder is aware of this funeral plan. FOR GOLDEN CHARTER PROCESSING USE ONLY Enquiry Number: App. Date Start Date A5 Plan Number: FD ID: Seller ID: Copyright Golden Charter October

14 D Funeral Details Funeral Type (please tick box): Burial Service at Crematorium or Cemetery Chapel Cremation (see burial/cremation information in brochure) Service or Ceremony before Crematorium / Cemetery Place of Worship: E Grave Details New Grave Existing Grave Current Owner of Grave Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other: First Name(s): Surname: Address: Postcode: Telephone No(s): Name of Cemetery: Certificate No: Grave/Lair No: Class: Section: Memorial on Grave?: Yes No If Yes - What Type Of Memorial? F Additional Information Please provide any additional information e.g choice of music, readings, special instructions etc. You can add more information at any time Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary. G Client Declaration I accept the current Golden Charter Charity PlansTerms and Conditions and agree to the Data Protection Act details which I have had the opportunity to examine. Signature of Plan Holder or their Representative Date: H Data Protection Act Use of your data: Golden Charter will use the information supplied on this Application Form for the purposes of processing the application and administering the plan. We will disclose this information to your selected funeral director solely for these purposes and with AXA Wealth Ltd and AXA Wealth Services Ltd for the administration of the whole of life policy where payment is by fixed monthly payments. If you would prefer not be contacted about other products or services offered by Golden Charter, let us know by writing to: Golden Charter, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Glasgow G61 1BF or dataservices@goldencharter.co.uk Change of Ownership If you would like to be informed should there be a change of ownership of your selected funeral director, please tick this box. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Funeral Director Declaration Selected Funeral Director: (Full Name of Business) GC No: I, the selected funeral director, confirm that I accept the Golden Charter Charity Plans Funeral DirectorTerms & Conditions, the current Golden Charter Charity PlansTerms & Conditions and have checked and agreed the arrangements and costs detailed herein. Funeral Director s Signature Print Name Date: 2

15 I Charitable Donation When you take out your plan, Golden Charter will make a donation of 25 to your nominated UK-registered charity. Please select charity Marie Curie Cancer Care The Alzheimer s Society ABF The Soldiers Charity Other (Please state & provide registered charity number): J Plan Prices Prices applicable from 1st November 2011 (please select your plan) The Easier Way From 1, The Popular Plan From 2, The Classical Plan From 3, The Symphony Plan From 3, Insert price of Plan selected: BOX A K Personalisation Option (additional services and prices, if applicable) Funeral Director s Services For example: additional costs for differences in local or regional funeral director s fees, limousines, viewing arrangements, casket/coffin prices. Additional Third Party Costs Crematorium fees and the recommended doctors and clergy fees are guaranteed within the plan. Where burial is required a provision of 965 has been included for opening the grave and the recommended clergy fees. (Excludes the Easier Way Plan) Please note all items entered under Funeral Director s Services are covered by the Charity Plan guarantee whereas Additional Third Party Costs are not. See terms and conditions Total Price of Personalisation Options: Funeral Director Arrangement Fee: BOX B BOX C Total Amount Payable for Single Payment: (Box A + Box B + Box C) BOX D L Additional Golden Charter products and services As a Golden Charter plan holder, you can benefit from our range of legal service products designed to help you plan ahead for complete peace of mind. If you would like more information on any of these services, please tick the relevant box below: Will-writing Pre-paid Probate Power of Attorney Asset Protection Alternatively, call to speak to one of our specialist legal services advisors. Copyright Golden Charter October

16 Methods of Payment Please call us on if you have any difficulty filling out this section. M Payment in Full I enclose a cheque for the full amount to the value of (Please make all cheques payable to Golden Charter Trust ) OR I wish to pay by Debit / Credit card and have completed Section Q for the full amount to the value of N Payment by 12 Instalments (at no additional cost) Deposit I enclose a cheque for the deposit amount to the value of (Please make all cheques payable to Golden Charter Trust ) OR I wish to pay by Debit / Credit card and have completed Section Q for the deposit to the value of Instalments I have completed Section P for payment by Direct Debit for the balance of To be taken over 11 monthly instalments of (Please refer to separate Payment Information Sheet for full information and monthly instalment amounts) Originators Identification Number Please note: The minimum deposit is 49 plus the Funeral Director Arrangement Fee (if applicable). Followed by a final instalment of On receipt of this completed form, and your deposit, Golden Charter will send you a credit agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 confirming the terms of payment. Payments will be collected on or around the 28th of each month. Golden Charter, Canniesburn Gate, 10 Canniesburn Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BF. O Payment by Fixed Monthly Payments I have completed Section P 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 collected each month on or around the same day of the month that the plan starts from. AXA Wealth (Sun Life Direct), NPE Department, PO Box 1810, Bristol BS99 5SN. Originators Identification Number P 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. Please fill in the whole form and send it together with your deposit (if applicable). To:The Manager of Bank or Building Society 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: Q Payment by Debit / Credit Card Pay by Debit Card: Maestro Visa Debit Visa Electron Pay 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: Golden Charter Limited is a Registered Provider of Funeral Plans and complies with the Rules and Code of Practice of the Funeral Planning Authority ( Any investments with AXA Wealth Ltd are regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority. 4 Golden Charter Ltd. Registered in England No Registered Office: Crowndale House, 1 Ferdinand Place, London NW1 8EE GC-LIFT 1716

17 Payment Information Sheet Prices applicable from 1st November 2011 Charity Funeral Plans The Easier Way From 1, The Popular Plan From 2, The Classical Plan From 3, The Symphony Plan From 3, Paying for your funeral plan From If you pay by single payment or by 12 instalments, your money goes directly into the Golden CharterTrust. TheTrust is a financially separate entity run by an independent Board oftrustees, ensuring complete security of funds for funeral plan holders. In the unlikely event of Golden Charter ceasing to exist, thetrust will continue until all payments have been completed.this is why your funeral director is able to provide a legally binding contract that ensures that your funeral arrangements will be carried out as you wish. Payment in full Pay a single payment by cheque, debit or credit card 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. EasierWay Plan Popular Plan Classical Plan Symphony Plan PaymentType Total Payable Total Payable Total Payable Total Payable One Single Payment 1, , , , Payment by 12 instalments Pay for your plan by Direct Debit over 12 months 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. If you want to personalise your funeral plan, please call us on for a quote EasierWay Plan Popular Plan Classical Plan Symphony Plan Total Amount Payable 1, , , , Minimum Deposit Payments of One Payment of Please make all cheques payable to Golden Charter Trust

18 Charity Funeral Plans From Pay by fixed monthly payments 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, the services and costs specified within your plan 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 AXAWealth Ltd, which trades as Sun Life Direct.This will fund your funeral when you die. For further information see the terms and conditions. If you are aged 50 to 80 and a UK resident, your acceptance is guaranteed 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 90, or until you die whichever is sooner. Your monthly payments must be made by Direct Debit Your funeral costs 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, your funeral costs would not be covered by the plan. 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. Your family or estate would have to pay the remaining balance (see terms and conditions) Depending on how long you live, the total cost of the funeral when you die may be less that 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. If you want to personalise your funeral plan, please call us on for a quote 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.

19 Payment Information Sheet Fixed Monthly Payment tables EasierWay Plan Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Popular Plan Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Please make all cheques payable to Golden Charter Trust

20 Payment Information Sheet Charity Funeral Plans From Fixed Monthly Payment tables Classical Plan Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Symphony Plan Monthly Payment Your Age Female Male Prices correct at 1st November 2011 and subject to change without notice. GC-LIFT 1718

21 Terms and Conditions Charity Funeral Plans DEFINITIONS ARE TO BE FOUND IN SECTION 7 1 ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMPANY 1.1 If paying in full with a Single Payment or paying by instalments over a Set Period then the Member must be over the age of 50 at the date of application for a Funeral Plan in order to be eligible for acceptance by the Company. If paying by Fixed Monthly Payments then the Member must be between the ages of 50 and 80 and a UK resident at the date of application and there are no health restrictions in order to be eligible for acceptance. 1.2 The Member must enclose a cheque (made payable as directed by the Company) for the Deposit or the Single Payment as applicable with the completed Application Form. Single Payments or Deposits may also be made by an approved debit or credit card. 1.3 If paying by Fixed Monthly Payments then payments will be used by the Company to buy a whole of life assurance policy on the Member s life with AXA Wealth Ltd. The Member will need to complete a Direct Debit instruction (see Clauses 4 and 6) and AXA Wealth Services Ltd will administer and service the policy and collect the monthly payments. AXA Wealth Ltd and AXA Wealth Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, however, all funeral services are arranged and provided by the Company which is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Services Authority but is a registered provider with the Funeral Planning Authority. 1.4 The Company may (1) (subject to Clause 1.9) act in accordance with the instructions of, and (2) communicate with, either the Member or the Representative on all matters relating to the Funeral Plan. References in these Terms and Conditions to the Member will therefore include references to the Representative (instead of the Member) where appropriate. 1.5 Within 30 days of receipt of a completed Application Form, the Company will notify the Member of its acceptance or rejection of the application (applications being rejected where the formalities and requirements for applications specified by the Company in the Application Form have not been complied with or it is not completed correctly). No contract will exist between the Company and the Member until the Company has notified the Member of its acceptance. 1.6 If an application is accepted and the Total Amount Payable has been fully paid, the Company will send the Member a personalised membership card and number and Certificate of Entitlement. If the Total Amount Payable is payable by instalments over a Set Period a provisional membership card will be issued which will be replaced by a membership card and a Certificate of Entitlement when the Total Amount Payable has been paid. If payment is by Fixed Monthly Payments a provisional membership card will be issued which will be replaced by a membership card and a Certificate of Entitlement when 2 years payments have been made. 1.7 If paying in full by a Single Payment or by instalments over a Set Period, the Member must notify the Company in writing of any change of address or any of the Member s other details specified in the Application Form, as soon as reasonably possible after the change. A change of address of the Member outside of the normal area of operation of the Selected Funeral Director may result in the appointment by the Company of a new Selected Funeral Director and/or an increase in the Funeral Director s Costs and/or Third Party Costs (unless Clause 2.6 applies). If, as a result of a change of address, the existing or new Selected Funeral Director (acting reasonably) wishes to increase the Funeral Director s Costs or Guaranteed Third Party Costs or the estimate of Non Guaranteed Third Party Costs (unless Clause 2.6 applies) or (in the case of a new Selected Funeral Director) charge a Funeral Director Arrangement Fee, the Member must either pay such additional sums to the Company or to its order as it may notify in writing within 30 days of such notification or the Funeral Plan will be cancelled and a refund made under Clause 1.8. If paying by Fixed Monthly Payments any change of address which necessitates a change in Selected Funeral Director will invalidate the Guarantee given by the original Selected Funeral Director. A new Selected Funeral Director will be allocated by the Company and while reasonable efforts will be made by the Company to obtain a Guarantee from the new Selected Funeral Director, the new Selected Funeral Director may require additional sums at the time of need to accommodate the Member s wishes in line with the terms of the Funeral Plan. The Member 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 whole of life assurance policy referred to in Clause 1.3 at death as a contribution towards funeral costs. The Member s next of kin, executors, trustees or the Representative will be required to make a separate payment for any additional costs and/or Third Party Costs to the new Selected Funeral Director at the time of need prior to the funeral taking place. 1.8 If paying by a Single Payment or by instalments over a Set Period, a refund of all sums paid will be made in accordance with the directions given in the Application Form provided that written notice of cancellation is received (from the Member or Representative) by the Company within 30 days of the issue of the Company s written acceptance of the application to purchase the Funeral Plan. If written notice of cancellation is received after such 30 day period has expired, the Company will charge a cancellation fee of 199 and the Selected Funeral Director will retain any Funeral Director Arrangement Fee and those sums will be deducted from the sums to be refunded. No Funeral Plan may be cancelled after the death of the Member. If paying by Fixed Monthly Payments and the Member wishes to cancel the Funeral Plan after 30 days he/she must advise the Company in writing. There is no cash in value at any time and no refund of any sums paid will be made. The Funeral Plan will be cancelled. If payment is by Fixed Monthly Payments and the Member wishes to cancel the Funeral Plan within 30 days he/she must advise the Company in writing in which event any payments made by or on behalf of the Member will be refunded in full. 1.9 In the event of any inconsistency between instructions given by the Member (including any attorney, curator, guardian, or other person legally authorised to deal with the Member s affairs) and by the Representative in relation to the Funeral Plan (including its cancellation) the Company will (subject to these Terms and Conditions) give effect to the instructions of the Member (or any such attorney, curator, guardian or other legally authorised person as appropriate) Unless Clause 2.6 applies, the Total Amount Payable or, where applicable, the total amount of and/or proceeds from Fixed Monthly Payments if paid for more than 2 years, includes the Funeral Director s Costs, Guaranteed Third Party Costs (subject to Clause 2.5) and an estimate for Non Guaranteed Third Party Costs as specified in the Application Form. Neither the Member nor the Representative nor the Member s next of kin, executors or trustees will have any additional sums to pay in respect of the Funeral Plan except as detailed in Clauses 1.7, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 4.1(iii) and Where the Total Amount Payable is payable by a Single Payment and has been paid and the Funeral Plan has been in force for 30 days, provided no notice of cancellation has been received, the Company will make a donation of 25 to a UK registered charity nominated by the Member in accordance with the details in the Application Form. 2 THE SELECTED FUNERAL DIRECTOR 2.1 The Company will appoint the Selected Funeral Director as its sub contractor to carry out the funeral arrangements of the Member in terms of the Agreement and will (subject to Clauses 1.7 and 4.3) have the Selected Funeral Director provide the Guarantee. The Company will use reasonable efforts to ensure that the highest quality of service is provided by the Selected Funeral Director. 2.2 The Company reserves the right at its discretion to appoint a new Selected Funeral Director to carry out the chosen funeral under the Funeral Plan. 2.3 If the Representative or any other person wishes, after the Member s death, to have the funeral arrangements of the Member carried out by a party other than the Selected Funeral Director, they must pay for such funeral arrangements themselves. In such circumstances no payment will be made to any party other than the Selected Funeral Director (in accordance with arrangements specified by the Company). Copyright Golden Charter April 2011

22 Terms and Conditions 2.4 The Member s next of kin, executors, trustees or the Representative will (as a condition of the Selected Funeral Director carrying out the Member s chosen funeral arrangements under the Funeral Plan) pay to the Company or to its order: any difference between the amount of estimated Non Guaranteed Third Party Costs detailed in the Brochure or the Application Form and the actual amount (if greater) of Non Guaranteed Third Party Costs incurred in carrying out such funeral arrangements; any amount required to be paid in relation to Guaranteed Third Party Costs under Clause 2.5; any amount required to be paid for Third Party Costs if Clause 2.6 applies; any Value Added Tax falling due in respect of the Funeral Plan as provided in Clause 5.4 ; and any sums due under Clauses 1.7 or 4.1(iii). Neither the Trust nor the Company nor the Selected Funeral Director nor AXA Wealth Ltd nor AXA Wealth Services Ltd will be responsible for any such difference or amount. 2.5 The Guaranteed Third Party Costs as specified in the Application Form comprise: the cremation fee and costs charged at a local crematorium at the time of use in both cases chosen by the Selected Funeral Director; the fee payable to doctors for the issue of a cremation medical certificate (up to the maximum amount recommended by the British Medical Association); the minister of religion or officiant s fee (of an amount up to the maximum amount recommended by the Church of England Stipend Authority). In the unusual event that the doctor s, minister s or officiant s charges are more than such recommended maximum amounts or the Selected Funeral Director s choice of crematorium and/or time of use is varied, the Member s next of kin, executors, trustees or the Representative will (as a condition of the Selected Funeral Director carrying out the funeral arrangements under the Funeral Plan) pay to the Selected Funeral Director: (1) any difference between the then maximum recommended amount of such Guaranteed Third Party Costs and the actual amount (if greater) of Guaranteed Third Party Costs incurred in carrying out such funeral arrangements and (2) any difference between the cremation fees and costs which would have been incurred had the Selected Funeral Director s choice not been varied and the higher cremation fees and costs incurred as a result of any such variation. Neither the Trust nor the Company nor the Selected Funeral Director nor AXA Wealth Ltd nor AXA Wealth Services Ltd will be responsible for any such difference or amount. 2.6 Where the Member has chosen the Easier Way version of the Charity Funeral Plan, no Third Party Costs are included and no guarantee is given by any party in relation to any Third Party Costs. Subject as follows, the Member authorises the Company and/or the Selected Funeral Director (as the Company s sub-contractor) to incur all appropriate and necessary Third Party Costs for the purpose of carrying out the Member s chosen funeral arrangements under the Funeral Plan. The Member s next of kin, executors, trustees or the Representative will (as a condition of the Selected Funeral Director carrying out such funeral arrangements) pay to the Company or to its order: (1) the amount of all Third Party Costs incurred in carrying out such funeral arrangements; and (2) any Value Added Tax falling due in respect of the Funeral Plan or any element thereof to the extent unpaid. Neither the Trust nor the Company nor the Selected Funeral Director will be responsible for any such amount. Where the Easier Way version of the Charity Funeral Plan has been chosen, all references to Third Party Costs (whether Guaranteed or Non Guaranteed) in the Agreement shall be read subject to this Clause PROCEDURE ON DEATH 3.1 The Company will ensure that the Selected Funeral Director carries out the funeral arrangements of the Member in accordance with and to the extent of the Funeral Plan and the Agreement or, in the event of failure by the Selected Funeral Director, that an alternative Selected Funeral Director chosen by the Company carries out the funeral arrangements in the same manner (subject in all cases to Clauses 1.7 and 4.3). The Company s responsibility will only be for the performance of the Member s funeral arrangements as specified in the Agreement. The Company will have no responsibility for any services, items or costs which are not so specified. 3.2 Should any extra item or service, not included in the Funeral Plan, be provided by a third party, the Company will not be liable for any loss, damage, expense or inconvenience arising from that provision unless it or the Selected Funeral Director was responsible for organising or providing these items or services under the Funeral Plan. 3.3 The Company will not be responsible for the loss of any valuables or items on display for private viewing in premises which are not owned or operated by it or the Selected Funeral Director. 4 PAYMENT BY INSTALMENTS OVER A SET PERIOD AND FIXED MONTHLY PAYMENTS 4.1 The Member may choose to pay for a Funeral Plan in three different ways: (i) by paying the Total Amount Payable by a Single Payment; (ii) by paying the Total Amount Payable by instalments over a Set Period where the instalments and period are detailed in the Application Form and confirmed in an agreement as referred to in Clause 4.2 ; or (iii) by Fixed Monthly Payments where a monthly payment will be due as detailed in Clause 4.2. If this method of payment is chosen then subject to Clause 1.7 the Member will be unable to modify or amend any of the arrangements in the Funeral Plan before the time of need. Any proposed changes or additions made to such arrangements at the time of the funeral must, subject to Clause 1.7, be agreed separately with the Selected Funeral Director with additional payment for any amended or additional services or items made (without the Company s involvement) direct to the Selected Funeral Director. 4.2 If the Member chooses to pay by instalments over a Set Period then upon signature of the Application Form the Member is contractually bound to pay to the Company or to its order the Total Amount Payable but the Company may at its discretion accept payment by way of instalments over a period agreed with the Company (being the Set Period). Where the Company agrees to accept payment of the Total Amount Payable by instalments over a Set Period the Member will enter into a credit agreement with the Company in a form approved by the Company. If the Member chooses to pay by Fixed Monthly Payments he/she must complete a Direct Debit Instruction. The monthly payments will be fixed and will not increase and will be payable for the period detailed in Clause 4.3. The amount of the Fixed Monthly Payment is determined by the Funeral Plan chosen as adjusted by any personalisation options included within the Funeral Plan as well as the age and gender of the Member. The Fixed Monthly Payment will be confirmed in writing once the Member s application has been received and processed. Once this has been agreed, it will not alter. The first payment will be taken 6 to 7 weeks after the start date of the Funeral Plan. 4.3 If the Member chooses to pay by instalments over a Set Period and if, at the date of the Member s death any instalment is in arrears or any part of the Total Amount Payable remains unpaid the Company will still comply with its obligations under Clause 3.1 above provided that:- (i) any prior instalments or sums paid by the Member will be credited towards the cost of the funeral; and (ii) any balance of the Total Amount Payable outstanding, less any rebate, is paid by the Member s next of kin, executors, trustees, or the Representative. Copyright Golden Charter April 2011

23 Charity Funeral Plans If the Member chooses to pay by Fixed Monthly Payments he/she must maintain the monthly payments until the anniversary of the start date prior to the Member s 90th birthday, or until the Member s death if sooner when payments stop. If the payments are not maintained after the first monthly payment has been made, or if any subsequent Fixed Monthly Payments are not made on the due date(s), the Company will allow 30 days of grace during which time the Member can pay the outstanding payments and the Funeral Plan will be unaffected. If the outstanding Fixed Monthly Payment(s) is/are not received within 30 days then the Funeral Plan will be cancelled and the Member will not get any money back. If the Member s date of death is more than 2 years from the start date, any outstanding Fixed Monthly Payments (maximum 2 months) must be paid as directed by the Company prior to receipt of the Funeral Plan benefits. If the Member s date of death is less than 2 years from the start date, the benefits of the Funeral Plan including the Guarantee will not be available. Instead, the Company 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 funeral costs (with the Member s executors, next of kin, trustees or the Representative 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 such executors, next of kin, trustees or the Representative, pay such sum to them. 4.4 If the Member chooses to pay by instalments over a Set Period the Member is entitled to make early settlement of the Total Amount Payable under the Agreement. To make settlement the Member must pay to the Company the balance of the Total Amount Payable then unpaid less any rebate to which the Member is entitled. If the Member chooses to pay by Fixed Monthly Payments these payments cannot be altered and are payable until the anniversary of the start date prior to the Member s 90th birthday or death if sooner, when payments stop. 4.5 Where the Total Amount Payable is payable by instalments over a Set Period and the Funeral Plan has been in force for one year, provided all instalment payments are up to date, the Company will make a donation of 25 to a UK registered charity nominated by the Member in accordance with the details in the Application Form. 4.6 Where the Member chooses to pay by Fixed Monthly Payments and all payments have been made without exception for 2 years and are up to date the Company will make a donation of 25 to a UK registered charity nominated by the Member in accordance with the Application Form 5 GENERAL 5.1 Costs Except to the extent otherwise detailed in the Agreement, all costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with the Agreement will be borne by the party incurring them. 5.3 Trust Arrangements If the Member chooses to pay by Single Payment or by monthly instalments over a Set Period then all sums received from Members in respect of Funeral Plans will be paid by the Company to the Trust without deduction. The Trust has authorised payments from the Trust s funds: to the Company in order to pay Selected Funeral Directors at the time of need under a Funeral Plan (or prior to the time of need in respect of any Funeral Director Arrangement Fee included in the Funeral Director s Costs); to Members in respect of refunds under Clause 1.8; to the Company to meet the Company s overheads and operating expenses at a level agreed between the Company and the Trust and reviewed from time to time. If the Member chooses to pay by Fixed Monthly Payments then the terms of Clause 4.2 will apply. 5.4 All sums stated to be payable by the Member or his/her Representative in respect of a Funeral Plan are exclusive of any Value Added Tax payable thereon at any time which shall be payable as follows in addition by the Member and/or his/her Representative or executors or next of kin. On the basis of current legislation, no Value Added Tax has been added to any of the sums payable by the Member or his/her Representative in respect of a Funeral Plan. If VAT legislation or HM Revenue & Customs practice or interpretation of VAT legislation changes, the Company and the Selected Funeral Director may add Value Added Tax if payable on any relevant sum from time to time which shall then be payable by the Member or his/her Representative or the Member s executors or next of kin. 6 DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE 6.1 This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. 6.2 If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of the Direct Debit, the Company will notify the Member or the person paying for the Funeral Plan ( the Payer ), 14 working days in advance of their account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If the Payer requests a payment to be collected by the Company, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to them at the time of the request. 6.3 If an error is made in the payment of the Direct Debit by the Company or the Payer s bank or building society, the Payer is entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from their bank or building society. 6.4 If the Payer receives a refund they are not entitled to, they must pay it back when the Company asks them to. 6.5 The Payer can cancel a direct debit at any time by writing to their bank or building society. A copy of the letter should be sent to the Company. 5.2 Applicable Law If a Funeral Plan is purchased in England, Wales or the Channel Islands, the Agreement will be governed by the law of England and the parties agree that any disputes will be dealt with by the English Courts. If a Funeral Plan is purchased in Scotland or Northern Ireland the Agreement will be governed by the laws of Scotland and the parties agree that any disputes will be dealt with by the Scottish Courts. Copyright Golden Charter April 2011