Golden Leaves, established in 1984, is one of the UK’s longest-standing funeral plan providers, working with a network of independent funeral directors. Its Copper Plan is a popular prepaid direct cremation option priced from £1,700. It includes nationwide collection, a simple coffin, transport to the crematorium, and cremation fees guaranteed.
Unlike Co-Op, doctor’s fees are not included. Payments can be made in full, over 12 months interest-free, or spread over up to 8 years with finance charges. The Copper Plan suits those who want a low-cost cremation arranged locally through independent directors, with flexibility to spread the cost over a longer period.
Trustpilot
4.8★ (5,110 reviews)
Payment Options
Pay in full • 12 months interest-free • Up to 8 years with finance (charges apply)
Coverage
UK-wide through local network of funeral directors
Pros and cons ▾
| Pros |
Cons |
 Simple, affordable direct cremation plan at £1,700 Cremation fees guaranteed Nationwide coverage via independent directors Instalments available up to 8 years (with interest) |
 No attendance, no procession, no extras Doctor’s fees excluded — families must pay these separately if required Longer instalments can significantly increase the total cost (e.g. £1,700 vs £3,165 over 8 years) No attendance, no procession, no extras Doctor’s fees excluded — families must pay these separately if required Longer instalments can significantly increase the total cost (e.g. £1,700 vs £3,165 over 8 years) |
What is included ▾
- Funeral director services, documentation, and care 24/7
- Basic coffin, cremation fees, doctor’s fees
- Ashes returned or scattered at crematorium
What is not included ▾
- No funeral service or chapel visitation
- No burial, no extras like flowers or catering
- Doctor’s fees excluded — families must pay these separately if required
-
How it works▾
- Take out the Copper Plan and pay upfront or via instalments.
- Removal and cremation are organised centrally.
- Ashes handled according to your wishes, without extra cost.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature |
Co-op Funeralcare – Direct Cremation Plan |
Golden Leaves – Copper Plan (Direct Cremation) |
| Trustpilot rating |
4.5★ (3,434 reviews) |
4.8★ (5,110 reviews) |
| Regulation |
FCA authorised |
FCA authorised |
| Price (from) |
£1,700 (£1,625 for members) |
£1,700 |
| Payment options |
Pay in full • 12 months interest-free • Up to 5 years with charges |
Pay in full • 12 months interest-free • Up to 8 years with finance (charges apply) |
| What’s included |
Collection (within 50 miles), care & preparation, simple coffin, cremation fees guaranteed, ashes returned or scattered |
Nationwide collection, care & preparation, coffin, cremation fees guaranteed (Mon–Fri single slot), ashes returned or scattered |
| What’s not included |
Attended service, choice of time/date/crematorium, viewing/chapel visits, extras (flowers, limousines, notices) |
Attended service, viewing, embalming, pallbearers, limousines, extras |
| Doctor’s fees |
Not included (medical certificates required for cremation, typically ~£164) |
Not included (medical certificates required for cremation, typically ~£164) |
| Coverage |
800+ Co-op branches nationwide; access to face-to-face service |
Delivered via network of independent funeral directors (arranged remotely) |
Conclusion
Both Co-op and Golden Leaves provide simple prepaid direct cremation plans at around £1,700, making them attractive to anyone seeking an affordable, no-service option.
Co-op’s strength lies in its nationwide network of 800+ branches and the reassurance of face-to-face support from a household name, while Golden Leaves offers longer instalment terms, consistently higher customer ratings at 4.8★, and clear, fixed-price plans.
Neither plan includes doctor’s fees (around £164). If you value convenience and the backing of a household name Co-op is a safe choice, whereas if you prioritise payment flexibility and customer satisfaction, Golden Leaves is the stronger option.