From Friday 29 July, funeral plans will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

It identified 66 firms in the market and has provided updates about the authorisation progress in the weeks leading up to this deadline.

Just days before the change in law on regulation of the sector, the FCA has listed the firms which will not be authorised to sell new funeral plans after 29 July, and has urged customers not to buy a new plan for them.

If you’re one of the estimated 50,000 customers already with a funeral plan from one of these firms, here’s what you need to know:

Bristol Memorial Woodlands FP – approx. 250 plans. It did not apply for authorisation so it can’t issue new plans or administer existing plans beyond 29 July. The FCA said customers should have heard from the firm to obtain a refund. If not, contact the firm at C/O Memorial Woodlands Earthcott Green, Alveston, Bristol, England, BS35 3TA, or call 01454 414999 or email admin@memorialwoodlands.com.

Capital Life Funeral Planning LTD – approx. 13,000 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation. New customers urged not to buy a plan from it, but it can administer existing plans until 31 October “to give it more time to wind down the business or find an authorised provider to take on their funeral plans”, the FCA said. Customers can email update@capitallife.com.

Empathy UK Funeral Plans LTD – approx. 7,500 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation. New customers urged not to buy a plan from it, but it can administer existing plans until 31 October. Customers can call 0800 035 5729 or email info@empathyfuneralplans.co.uk.

Eternal Peace Funeral Plans LTD – approx. 100 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation, though it has re-applied. However, currently it is not allowed to sell new plans after 29 July but can administer existing plans until 31 October. Customers can call 0330 311 2570 or email info@eternalpeacefp.co.uk.

Fox Milton and Co LTD, trading as Unique Funeral Plans – approx. 700 plans. It did not apply for authorisation so it can’t issue new plans or administer existing plans beyond 29 July. The FCA has previously issued a warning about the firm. Contact it via 71-75 Shelton St, London, WC2H 9JQ or visit its website at https://uniquefuneralplans.co.uk/.

Iberian Funeral Plans – approx. 10 plans held by customers in the UK. The firm is based in Spain and did not apply for authorisation. The FCA understands some customers have returned to the UK and the firm is contacting them to provide a refund or alternative arrangement. The FCA warns new customers not to buy a plan from this firm for those who want their funeral to be delivered in the UK.

Mairi Urquhart & Son LTD – approx. 250 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation so can’t sell new plans after 29 July and can’t administer existing plans. The FCA said it understands it is applying to become an ‘appointed representative’ but customers should contact it on 01349 880901 or email info@mairiurquhartandson.com.

Maplebrook Funeral Plans LTD – approx. 500 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation so new customers should not buy a plan. It can administer existing plans until 31 October. Customers can call 0800 059 0909 or email operations@maplebrookfuneralplans.co.uk.

Pride Planning Limited – approx. 19,000 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation, but can continue to administer existing plans until 31 October 2022. Customers are urged not to buy a new plan from the firm. Customers can email info@prideplanning.co.uk.

Rest Assured Funeral Plans Limited – approx. 6,000 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation, but can continue to administer existing plans until 31 October 2022. New customers are urged not to buy a new plan from the firm. Customers can call 08000 654 514.

Seasons Personal Funeral Plans Limited – approx. 200 plans. It did not apply for authorisation so it can’t issue new plans or administer existing plans beyond 29 July. The FCA said customers should have heard from the firm about a refund. If you’ve not heard, contact the firm at 85 Todd Lane North, Lostock, Preston, PR5 5UR, call 01772 620805 or email admin@seasonsfuneralplans.co.uk.

Silver Clouds Later Life Planning Limited – approx. 2,500 plans. It withdrew its application for authorisation, but can continue to administer existing plans until 31 October 2022. New customers are urged not to buy a new plan from the firm. Customers can email info@silvercloudsfp.co.uk or call 0345 222 0271.

SJP Lichfield Limited – approx. 50 plans which will be transferred to Golden Leaves. It withdrew its application for authorisation but can continue to administer existing plans until 31 October 2022. New customers are urged not to buy a new plan from the firm. Customers can contact sophie@jukesfuneralservices.com or call 01543 415050.

Sovereign Lifecare – no estimate of plan numbers. The FCA said it doesn’t hold any information on the firm or its plan numbers as it has failed to respond to requests for information. It did not apply for authorisation and so it can’t issue new plans or administer existing plans beyond 29 July 2022. New customers are urged not to buy a plan from it. Customers can contact the firm at 32 Brenkley Way, Seaton Burn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE13 6DS.

The FCA said that as it does not regulate the sector just yet, customers should contact their provider in the first instance to find out what is happening with their plan. Options might include a refund, or a plan may be transferred to another provider.

For firms which can continue to administer existing plans until 31 October 2022, this is to give them time to wind down their business or find an authorised provider to take on their funeral plans.

The FCA added that if customers cannot get in touch with their provider, they should contact the FCA.

YourMoney.com has asked the FCA what will happen if a customer does not receive a refund; what would happen if refund requests would push the firm into administration; what happens to plans being administered between now and 31 October, as well as what happens after 31 October 2022. We’ll update this news story once we hear back.