FUTURE Life Wealth Management's MD Jillian Thomas has assisted BBC One's Rip Off Britain programme into a major investigation into pre-paid funeral plan providers.

The flagship show, which exposes and rectifies the nation's consumer nightmares, sought Jillian's expertise and insight into what's currently unravelling within the sector.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stepped in to regulate the industry at the end of July this year to ‘enhance consumer protection' and introduce high standards so plans are sold fairly, perform as expected while also providing value for money.

In addition to providing expert analysis of this unravelling situation, Jillian was interviewed by Angela Rippon as part of an investigation into the specific circumstances encountered by a couple who had taken out a funeral plan prior to the FCA's regulations commencing on Friday, July 29, 2022.

Jillian personally offered the services of Future Life Wealth Management at her own expense to support the couple, who are both retirees, in the specific situation they are encountering.

Welcoming the FCA's new regulation of the industry, Jillian said: "What we've previously seen in the funeral industry can be likened to a perfect storm...

"We've seen a strain placed on these funeral plan providers throughout the pandemic as mortality rates have risen.

"In recent months, we've also witnessed significant inflation – of which we’re all too well aware.

“But this has also taken its toll on pre-paid funeral plan providers with cremation and burial costs rising too."

The edition of Rip Off Britain LIVE featuring Future Life Wealth Management’s MD Jillian Thomas was broadcast on Wednesday, October 13, at 9.15am. To watch, please log onto BBC iPlayer and follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001d0w3/rip-off-britain-series-14-episode-19