A & A Walters are a former
Golden Charter
'National Funeral Planner of the Year'
A & A Walters are a former
Golden Charter
'National Funeral Planner of the Year'
Golden Charter
'West Mids. & North Wales Funeral Planner of the Year'
8-times Winner
The money you pay is held in trust until such times it is called upon. It is not held by A & A Walters or associated companies. Our funeral plans are FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) complaint.
A pre-paid funeral plan is a secure and cost-effective method of ensuring that your funeral is arranged and paid for with the minimum of fuss. Money that you pay is held by the Golden Charter Trust Fund and is fully FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) complaint. By taking out a pre-paid Funeral Plan also means that any wishes you have for the arrangements will be carried out in accordance with your instructions.
A & A Walters Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 965279).
At A & A Walters we offer a range of funeral plans - both packaged and tailored to an individual's specific needs. Collectively, all plan's provided by us directly are known as 'Independent Way Funeral Plans'. All our Funeral plans are FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) complaint
Our range of 'Independent Way' packaged plans are outlined below as - 'The Poppy', 'The Cornflower', 'The Bluebell', 'The Snowdrop' and 'The Wild Rose'. Each plan has defined elements as well as an allowance included for 3rd party costs (e.g. crematorium fee, Minister's fee, flowers etc.) These plans provide a level of funeral cover to suit all budgets.
Alternatively, our 'Orchid' plan enables you to design your funeral service right down to the smallest of details. It also enables you to include and pay for features not otherwise included within the packaged plans. This may include (but is not limited to) a more unusual hearse, a service in a church, a piper or dove release or a burial of cremated remains.
Whether you choose one of our 'Independent Way' packaged or our fully tailored 'Orchid' funeral plan, rest assured, your money remains fully protected.
All funeral plans include a one-off £249 admininstration fee which is charged by Golden Charter to manage the trust fund.
You can read our Funeral Plan Pricing Policy here.
There are four payment options which are outlined in the 'Your questions answered' section below.
At A & A Walters we believe that we know a thing or two about funeral plans. Take out a funeral plan with us and be assured of the benefits:
*Although the funeral director's own fees are fully guaranteed for the services requested within the plan, additional charges maybe requested at time of need for third-party disbursements (e.g. crematorium and/or burial,) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth. This applies to both our Packaged and Tailored funeral plans.
A & A Walters do not receve any money you pay until the funeral takes place.
It is illegal for a Funeral Director to 'look after' your money as part of a funeral plan and that is why reputable Funeral Directors work with companies such as Golden Charter. Your money is paid into the Golden Charter Trust* which is run by a Board of Trustees, completely independent of Golden Charter.
*This excludes the Fixed Monthly Payment Option where money is paid into a UK life assurance company and managed by them.
Our 'Independent Way' Funeral Plans are quite simply funeral plans which are offered directly through A & A Walters. All our 'Independent Way' Funeral Plans are provided in association with Golden Charter Funeral Plans and all of the money you have paid towards your funeral plan (with the exception of Golden Charter's setup fee of £249 (June 2021)) is paid into their trust fund ('Golden Charter Trust') which is managed by Golden Charter.
A & A Walters have packaged some of these 'Independent Way' Funeral Plans (Poppy, Cornflower, Bluebell, Snowdrop or Wild Rose) so that you can make a direct comparison with offerings made by the wide range of packaged funeral plans freely available on the internet. As with all packaged plans, these have a fixed contribution towards disbursements and so there may be extra to be paid at the time the plan is needed. Consequently these plans can sometimes appear cheaper at the outset.
Alternatively, at A & A Walters we also offer the fully tailored Independent Way Funeral Plan option (Orchid.) This type of funeral plan is fully customised to your requirements (something packaged plans can not provide.) Not only does this mean that you can be assurred that your funeral wishes are fully accounted for, but your estate or family will likely have less to pay in the longer term, as a more precise contribution has been made towards the disbursement costs identified to meet your own particular needs.
This will very much depend...
Funeral Plan providers aren't necessarily Funeral Directors. They sell Funeral Plans and then approach a Funeral Director to see whether they will carry out a Funeral Service on their behalf, often only at the point at which the planholder has died. These Funeral Plan companies don't offer this service for free and we have encountered some Funeral Planning companies who have been known to take up to a 1/3 of the cost paid for a funeral plan for their own fees, simply for being the 'middle man.'
We sincerely hope that this practice will soon be stopped by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who are soon to be regulating the sale of Funeral Plans. However, whether this will affect all of those Funeral Plans previously sold, we are unsure.
Consequently, if the amount a Funeral Plan company is prepared to pay to ourselves as Funeral Directors falls well below the cost of carrying out that funeral service we may have to decline accepting that Funeral Plan. However, where we can, we will work with the family and the Funeral Planning company to carry out a funeral in accordance with a person's wishes.
How can this uncertaintly be avoided?
Simply by buying your Funeral Plan directly through A & A Walters. That way you can be assurred that all of the money goes towards your funeral.
Our plans are available to all, regardless of age or state of health. If you choose to pay by low instalments then you must be 78 or under when you apply. If you choose the fixed monthly payment option then you must be aged between 50 and 80.
There are four payment options to suit you and your budget:
A. Single payment option - for immediate cover
B. 12 Monthly payment option - spread the cost over 12 montly payments by Direct Debit at no extra charge.
C. Low cost instalment option - Spread the cost over a longer term for a low monthly payment.
D. Fixed monthly payment option - a fixed monthly payment for life or until age 90.
Full details of terms and conditions are available upon request.
You will be sent a plan document folder by Golden Charter with all the information about your plan, as well as a membership card.
If you cancel within 30 days Golden Charter will refund the payment you have made. For details of cancellation terms after 30 days the payment information and Key Features documents you will receive in your plan pack will explain this.
When the time comes simply contact Walters and quote the funeral plan number. We will take care of the rest.
When travelling, it is always recommended that your travel or medical insurance policy includes cover for repatriation costs back to the UK. Depending on the type of funeral plan opted for, transportation within the local area (up to 25 miles of our offices) is automatically included Night or Day.
For all payment options, except the fixed monthly payment option, you can transfer the benefit of the funeral services to a nominated family member or friend who dies before the plan holder. When you pay by the low cost instalment option you can only transfer the benefit of the funeral services if the total cost has been paid.
Yes, just complete the plan holder's representative section on the application form, and all correspondence will be sent to you. If paying by the fixed monthly payment option, please note the plan holder will be contacted directly by the life assurance company that provides the payment option.
Initially please contact us and we will be able to advise. We regularly undertake funeral services for families across the UK.
Don't find the answer you are looking for?
Feel free to email us at tipton@waltersfunerals.co.uk or telephone 0121 557 1347 and speak to one of our funeral planning specialists.
Choose from our range of Independent Way 'packaged' plans ('The Poppy, Cornflower, Bluebell, Snowdrop or Wild Rose) or allow us to design a 'fully tailored' funeral Plan ('The Orchid') to meet your exact needs...
~ The Poppy ~
'Independent Way' packaged funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
£1,395*
Coffin Choice
Simple
Conveyance into our care (from a hospital setting)
During office hours
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
No
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
No (at a location as set by A & A Walters)
Hearse
Hearsette
Limousine (6 seats)
Dressing in a simple gown, no viewing
No
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
No - Unattended service
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
No - Unattended service
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
No - Unattended service
Service Sheets (A4 single page, folded card)
No - Unattended service
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
No - Unattended service
Donation box at service
No - Unattended service
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
£275
Please note:
*Additional charges will apply at the time of need in the following circumstances i) Pacemaker or other device must be removed ii) multiple conveyance to or from hospital iii) Doctor's fees be required iv) being brought into our care from a non-hospital setting, also where this takes places outside of our standard office hours v) Conveyance from more than 20 mile radius of our Head Office. These costs are not guaranteed.
There is no option to view in the Chapel of Rest on this plan.
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our Poppy plan is an unattended Cremation service and is brought to you by our Sister company 'The Little Funeral Company'
~ The Cornflower ~
'Independent Way' packaged funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
£2,719
Coffin Choice
Simple
Conveyance into our care (up to 25 miles from our office)
Night or Day
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
Yes
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
Yes
Hearse
Yes
Limousine (6 seats)
No
Dressing in a simple gown, no viewing*
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
Yes
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
No
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
No
Service Sheets (A4 single page, folded card)
Yes (30 copies)
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
Yes
Donation box at service
Yes
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
£1,000
Please note: Our funeral plans do not include the purchase of new graves. These must be purchased separately.
*Dressing in either own clothes or a quality sation gown and use of the Chapel of Rest (where possible) can be included for an additional charge of £280
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee, minister fee, flowers, horses etc.) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our fixed plans are best suited to Cremation and single venue service locations. Where there is to be a service in a Church or a burial (inc. cremated remains) then our 'Orchid' (tailored) funeral plans would typically be more suitable.
~ The Bluebell ~
'Independent Way' packaged funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
£3,669
Coffin Choice
Quality Oak
Conveyance into our care (up to 25 miles from our offices)
Night or Day
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
Yes
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
Yes
Hearse
Yes
Limousine (6 seats)
One
Viewing in our Chapel of Rest
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
Yes
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
Yes
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
3ft
Service Sheets (A4 single page, folded card)
Yes (30 copies)
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
Yes
Donation box at service
Yes
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
£1,100
Please note: Our funeral plans do not include the purchase of new graves. These must be purchased separately.
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee, minister fee, flowers, horses etc.) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our fixed plans are best suited to Cremation and single venue service locations. Where there is to be a service in a Church or a burial (inc. cremated remains) then our 'Orchid' (tailored) funeral plans would typically be more suitable.
~ The Snowdrop ~
'Independent Way' packaged funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
£4,101
Coffin Choice
Superior Coffin
Conveyance into our care (up to 25 miles from our offices)
Night or Day
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
Yes
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
Yes
Hearse
Yes
Limousine (6 seats)
Two
Viewing in our Chapel of Rest
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
Yes
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
Yes
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
4ft
Service Sheets (A4 single page, folded card)
Yes (50 copies)
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
Yes
Donation box at service
Yes
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
£1,200
Please note: Our funeral plans do not include the purchase of new graves. These must be purchased separately.
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee, minister fee, flowers, horses etc.) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our fixed plans are best suited to Cremation and single venue service locations. Where there is to be a service in a Church or a burial (inc. cremated remains) then our 'Orchid' (tailored) funeral plans would typically be more suitable.
~ The Wild Rose ~
'Independent Way' packaged funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
£4,486
Coffin Choice
Superior Coffin
Conveyance into our care (up to 25 miles from our offices)
Night or Day
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
Yes
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
Yes
Hearse
Horse-Drawn Hearse led by 2 horses
Limousine (6 seats)
One
Viewing in our Chapel of Rest
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
Yes
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
Yes
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
4ft
Service Sheets (A4 single page, folded card)
Yes (50 copies)
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
Yes
Donation box at service
Yes
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
£1,800
Please note: Our funeral plans do not include the purchase of new graves. These must be purchased separately.
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee, minister fee, flowers, horses etc.) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our fixed plans are best suited to Cremation and single venue service locations. Where there is to be a service in a Church or a burial (inc. cremated remains) then our 'Orchid' (tailored) funeral plans would typically be more suitable.
~ The Orchid ~
'Independent Way' fully tailored funeral plan.
SINGLE PAYMENT
Upon Request
Coffin Choice
Any Choice
Conveyance into our care (up to 25 miles from our offices)
Night or Day
Choice of Funeral Date & Time
Yes
Making of Funeral Arrangements
Yes
Attended Funeral Service
Yes
Hearse
Any Choice
Limousine (6 seats)
Any Choice
Viewing in our Chapel of Rest
Yes
A team of professional Pallbearers
Yes
Processional Cortege (inc. personalised journey)
Yes
Quality Floral Coffin Spray
Any Choice
Service Sheets
4 or 8 page service booklets from a wide choice of designs
Fully customisable online Memorial Tribute with charitable donation facility
Yes
Donation box at service
Yes
Aftercare & support
Yes
Funeral Plan Administration fee included (£249)
Yes
3rd Party Allowance Included
No upper allowance
Please note: Our funeral plans do not include the purchase of new graves. These must be purchased separately.
3rd party allowance - to go towards disbursement costs paid out on your behalf (e.g. crematorium fee, minister fee, flowers, horses etc.) Although the Funeral Director's own fees are fully guaranteed for their services within the plan, additional charges may be payable at time of need for 3rd party costs (disbursements) where the rise in these costs have exceeded the plan growth or where additional disbursements are incurred,
Our fixed plans are best suited to Cremation and single venue service locations. Where there is to be a service in a Church or a burial (inc. cremated remains) then our 'Orchid' (tailored) funeral plans would typically be more suitable.