GB-London: PROC 46-2019 Evidence Review Vulnerability in the Funerals Market

part of the CMA's evidence-gathering process, we may now wish to commission an evidence As review (probably a Rapid Evidence Assessment) to provide a structured and objective synthesis of literature relating to the impact (if any) of grief/bereavement on the decision-making and purchasing behaviours of funeral consumers (those arranging an 'at need' funeral ). A key question for the CMA is whether funeral consumers can be said to be inherently vulnerable, that is, that the cognitive/psychological impact of bereavement, and/or the need to make decisions under several different pressures (i.e. the peculiar circumstances of arranging a funeral) is such that it creates a vulnerability for many funeral consumers (whether they are aware or this or not). If commissioned, the research described in this ITT ('the proposed research') will form an important part of the CMA's evidence-gathering process for the market investigation and may be used to inform the development of remedies.

This is a high-profile case which is likely to have important implications for funeral directors, crematoria and consumers. It is essential that the research provides a robust evidence base for CMA decision-making. Findings from the research are likely to be published by the CMA

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.