Why are billions of pounds going unclaimed in the UK?

Billions of pounds are going unclaimed in the UK because many Brits refuse to discuss their final wishes, including funeral plans and important documents, with their families.

How has the reluctance to talk about death affected Lottie Tomlinson's family?

Lottie Tomlinson, sister of former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, was only 18 when their mother died from leukaemia in 2016. Their family was devastated again when Lottie's younger sister Félicité died from an accidental overdose just three years later. Lottie believes that being more open about grief and planning for the future could have made the situation a bit easier for her family.

What service is Legacy Hub offering to help families deal with the aftermath of a loved one's passing?

Legacy Hub is a secure digital vault that aims to tackle the financial and emotional problems that can arise when a death occurs in the family. The service allows people to safely record their wishes and store important documents, helping loved ones find comfort, clarity, and connection during a difficult time.

Home / Lifestyle / Brits Avoid Discussing Death, Costing Families Billions

Brits Avoid Discussing Death, Costing Families Billions

15 Nov

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Summary

34% of Brits have not discussed final wishes with family
£80 billion in wealth unclaimed due to lack of will/document discussions
Grief and loss made harder by lack of planning

Brits Avoid Discussing Death, Costing Families Billions

According to a report published on 2025-11-15T20:22:10+00:00, billions of pounds are going unclaimed in the UK due to Britons' reluctance to discuss death and final wishes with their families. The research found that around a third (34%) of people have not had any conversations about their funeral plans, important documents, or other end-of-life arrangements with their loved ones.

Additionally, 43% of respondents said they avoid the topic because it is too upsetting, while 25% consider it "too morbid" to discuss. Nearly one-fifth (19%) admitted they do not know how to start such a conversation. This lack of open dialogue has resulted in an estimated £80 billion in unclaimed wealth, as bereaved families struggle to locate wills, investments, and insurance policies after a loved one's passing.

Experts are urging Britons to be more proactive in recording their wishes and storing important records in a secure digital vault, such as the Legacy Hub service. They believe the British "stiff-upper-lip" mentality is hindering necessary discussions, leaving families to deal with the emotional and financial fallout during an already difficult time. Sharing one's final wishes, they say, can make the grieving process a bit easier for those left behind.