STORY
The Government is developing proposals for the formal regulation of the funeral industry as part of plans to improve standards, remove rogue operators and provide stronger protection for bereaved families. Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said clearer safeguards and consistent oversight were needed to ensure the deceased were treated with dignity.
The work follows the sentencing of Robert Bush, who operated Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and received a 20-year prison sentence for 67 offences including preventing a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading and theft. Cooper said the case, together with the findings of the inquiry into David Fuller’s crimes in hospital mortuaries, demonstrated the need for improved standards across every setting responsible for caring for people after death.
The Department of Health and Social Care will lead the work alongside the Ministry of Justice and other departments. The Law Commission will review the criminal law concerning the deceased, identify potential gaps in existing protections and consider whether new offences are required. Bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups and local authorities will be consulted before detailed proposals and an implementation timetable are published.