Strengthen regulations for funeral insurance policies

I am shocked that thousands of credit union members are faced with the loss of funeral insurance cover. The insurer, Maiden Life, has cancelled policies leaving their customers out of pocket from 1st December 2025.

This is causing significant impact on individuals and families across Glasgow. The result is financial pressures when families are grieving for a loved one. These families have been left to find money for funeral expenses pushing them in to debt and financial hardship.

The distress of organising a funeral is intensified by the stress of having to scrape together money for funeral costs. They can find they are unable to do perhaps what that person wanted or what they feel is right to honour that person. It is making some people suffer ill health due to the strain, both mentally, and physically.

It can be overwhelming for families to deal with as the cost of dying has reached a record high in the UK.

It is vital that the Financial Conduct Authority and credit unions are able to establish a compensation scheme offering support for those who have a Family Protection Plan and explore emergency actions to prevent funeral poverty.

With reference to the discussions of Funeral Service Reform at the UK Parliament,  we can request that there are measures put in place to strengthening the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulatory framework.

Support needed for Colourful Heritage

Firstly, I would like to send my best wishes and thanks to the people involved in Colourful Heritage, the Glasgow-based charitable initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the South Asian and Muslim heritage in Scotland.

Colourful Heritage are building a memorial in Glasgow to commemorate the fallen soldiers from the British Indian Army, mainly from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who were mainly from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths. 

We can encourage contributions and collaboration with organisations involved in supporting memorials around the UK honouring soldiers of South Asian heritage to reflect on shared histories and opportunities for further learning.

The other memorials that honour the contribution of South Asian soldiers are located across cities and towns including Kingussie. This is where there is the World War Two Force K6 memorial as a permanent memorial dedicated to the men of Force K6, a contingent of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps who served in Britain during the Second World War.

Other locations include London, Bristol, Brighton, Leicester, and Wolverhampton. Also, in Staffordshire, there is The National Memorial Arboretum has is the site for collection of memorials that are relevant in honouring the contribution of service and sacrifice of those from South Asian heritage.

There has been a "ceremonial brick laying event" for the memorial which will be built within the grounds of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Today, there was a celebration for the 15th Anniversary of the Woodlands Community Garden on West Princes Street. There was a display of people's photos and videos of activities that have taken place at the garden. 

Signage for the Woodlands Community Garden

Entrance gate for the Woodlands Community Garden

Due to the rainy weather, there were community activities held in the meeting room and within Flourish House, on Ashley Street. It was really enjoyable to meet up with people involved in the supporting and maintaining this unique, award-winning community garden.

Further progress on Cycle Lane, St. Georges Cross

This month, there has been further work on the installation of a new cycle lane along St. Georges Road completed at the junction of Maryhill Road and Phoenix Road.

Completed cycle lane on St Georges Road

View of the new cycle lane under construction on St Georges Road

The festive lights has been installed at St. Georges Cross whilst the works are undertaken. This area is enhanced with improved paving for pedestrians along this route.