Leeds South West and Morley MP Mark Sewards has welcomed the Government’s decision to develop the formal regulation of the funeral sector following a harrowing case in Hull.
Robert Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading, and theft.
Following Bush’s sentencing, the Government has confirmed that it will develop detailed proposals to raise standards in the funeral sector, including formal regulation. Bereaved families and funeral providers will be involved in shaping that work.
Mark Sewards has been campaigning for stronger regulation over the past year after hearing the experiences of constituents Cody and Liam Townend, and Zoe Ward.
All three lost babies in heartbreaking circumstances. They later discovered the funeral director they had trusted had not treated their babies with the dignity and care they deserved.
Police could not take action because the funeral industry is not properly regulated.
Since then, Mark Sewards has raised the issue in Parliament, and ensured that the voices of Cody, Liam and Zoe have been heard directly by Government.
Mr Sewards, whose constituency includes Farney & Wortley, said: “The testimonies heard during the sentencing of Robert Bush were horrific. No family should ever have to endure the suffering caused by a loved one being mistreated after death.
“Today’s announcement is the clearest commitment we have had so far and marks a major step towards proper regulation of the funeral industry.
“Most funeral directors do their work with compassion and professionalism, supporting families through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Proper regulation would protect those good operators, drive out rogue providers and help restore public confidence in the profession.
“Many people simply assume funeral directors are already regulated. It is shocking that this is not the case.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment to developing these proposals, but the result must be full statutory regulation. We now need to see the detail, a clear timetable, and confirmation of who will enforce the rules and what powers they will have when standards are not met.
“Bereaved families deserve peace of mind that their loved ones will be treated properly. Good funeral operators deserve a system that protects the reputation of their profession. I will hold the Government’s feet to the fire to ensure statutory regulation is introduced.
“What happened to Cody, Liam and Zoe, and to the victims of Robert Bush, should never happen to anyone again.”
The Department for Health and Social Care will now drive forward work alongside other government departments, including the Ministry of Justice and the Law Commission to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector, and to protect bereaved families against the heartbreak of having their loved ones mistreated in death.
This will include developing a range of detailed proposals to drive up standards, including regulation of the funeral sector. These will be drawn up in discussion with established operators, faith groups, families, and other stakeholders.
As part of this work, the Law Commission will undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper said the Government will work closely with bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups and others to ensure that future policy is proportionate, effective and informed by those with relevant experience.
Paul Allcock, Government Liaison at the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) welcomes the DHSC’s commitment to engaging with the funeral profession on regulation.
“Any framework must protect the deceased and their families as a priority, but must also uphold standards and recognise small and medium-sized independent funeral businesses. It should be proportionate, preserve family choice and maintain a diverse market.
“We’re committed to supporting the engagement and cross-government work.
“SAIF members currently follow the UK Funeral Director Code and undergo inspections of premises, mortuary facilities and administrative processes. Families also have access to an independent complaints and redress process, delivered by an externally audited alternative dispute resolution body certified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, providing an added safeguard. “