Statement from Golden Leaves Following Recent News Coverage

The details heard during the sentencing of the former owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, have been deeply distressing. 

Our thoughts are with every family whose trust was abused, as well as the wider Hull community affected by his actions.

Cases of this nature understandably cause people to question whether they can trust funeral professionals and whether arrangements they have already made are safe. We therefore want to provide clear reassurance to Golden Leaves customers.

Your Golden Leaves funeral plan is unaffected 

Nothing reported in relation to Legacy Independent Funeral Directors changes the status or terms of a Golden Leaves funeral plan.

Golden Leaves Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide and administer funeral plans. Our Firm Reference Number is 960923, which can be checked on the Financial Services Register.

Since July 2022, companies providing or administering prepaid funeral plans have been required to obtain FCA authorisation. FCA regulation introduced higher standards and additional protections for customers, including rules governing how plans are sold, administered and financially structured.

Customers may also have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they have an unresolved complaint and may be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if an authorised provider fails.

We carefully select the funeral directors we work with 

Golden Leaves is responsible for providing and administering your funeral plan. When the time comes, the funeral services included in the plan are delivered by one of our carefully selected funeral director partners.

Before a funeral business is appointed to provide services for Golden Leaves customers, we carry out due diligence and assess whether the business meets our standards for professionalism, quality of care and service.

We maintain close working relationships with our partners, review service quality and customer feedback, and investigate any concerns brought to our attention.

This continuing relationship is an important part of ensuring that the wishes recorded in each plan are respected and that families receive the compassionate and professional support they deserve.

Trust must be earned and protected 

Arranging a funeral plan is an intensely personal decision. Customers place enormous trust in the company responsible for their plan and in the funeral director who will one day care for them and support their family.

That trust must never be taken for granted.

Golden Leaves has been helping people plan ahead since 1984. We remain committed to protecting our customers, respecting their wishes and supporting their loved ones with care and dignity when the time comes.

Questions about your Golden Leaves plan 

Golden Leaves customers do not need to take any action as a result of this incident. However, if recent news has left you with questions about your funeral plan, our friendly customer services team is here to help.

Whether you already have a Golden Leaves funeral plan or would simply like to understand more about how funeral plans are protected today, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call us on 0800 85 44 48 or email info@goldenleaves.com. Our team will be pleased to help.