Welsh Labour Deputy Leader Carolyn Harris has led the campaign against burial and cremation charges for families with children who have died.

The Welsh Labour Government was the first in the UK to support her campaign by scrapping fees.

From April 1, families in Wales who have registered the loss of a child under the age of 18 will be able to receive £500 as a contribution towards funeral costs, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced (Saturday).

In response to the news of £500 support for bereaved parents in Wales, Carolyn Harris MP, Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour, said:

“The Welsh Labour Government was the first to support my campaign by scrapping fees for child burials or cremations, helping to ease the financial worries faced by parents who have just lost a child.

“Some 5,000 babies and children pass away each year in the UK. It is a pain and trauma that no parent can ever be prepared for. So, when that tragedy happens, parents will be totally unprepared, both emotionally and financially.

“Today’s announcement by the Welsh Labour Government goes even further. Providing a £500 payment to all families who suffer the loss of a child, is an act of unbridled compassion for which Wales is known around the world.”