The government is poised to introduce the first-ever statutory regulation of England's funeral industry, following a string of shocking scandals involving the mistreatment of human remains.
This move comes after intense pressure from bereaved families and a damning official inquiry, which labelled the sector an "unregulated free for all." Currently, in stark contrast to Scotland where a mandatory code of practice is in force, anyone in England can establish a funeral business without requiring a licence, formal qualifications, or any experience.
Systemic Failures and Heartbreaking Cases
The push for oversight gained critical momentum from the official inquiry into murderer David Fuller, who sexually abused over 100 bodies in NHS hospital mortuaries. The inquiry chair, Sir Jonathan Michael, identified a "systemic failure" in monitoring those who handle the deceased and called for a new statutory regime.
Recent court cases have further exposed the dire need for change. Last week, the directors of Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, were convicted of fraud and preventing a lawful burial after six decomposing bodies were discovered on their premises.
In another distressing case, Amy Upton, who ran a baby-loss support service called Florrie's Army in Leeds, was reported to the authorities. One mother, Zoe Ward, described finding her deceased baby boy's body in a bouncer in Upton's living room, with cartoons playing and another dead baby on the sofa.
Furthermore, the discovery of 35 bodies at Legacies Independent Funeral Directors last year prompted more urgent calls for action. The owner, Robert Bush, has pleaded guilty to fraud, including giving unidentified ashes to parents of stillborn babies.
Calls for a Robust New System
Campaigners and industry bodies are demanding a robust system with mandatory licensing, inspections, and professional standards. Labour MP Mark Sewards, who has championed the cause in Parliament, stated it was "unbelievable" that England remains an outlier among Western nations in lacking such regulation.
"When you've just lost a loved one you're in one of the most vulnerable situations in your life," Sewards said. "In that vulnerable state you're much more likely to agree to things and be open to exploitation."
The National Association of Funeral Directors and Co-op Funeralcare have proposed that the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) be given oversight of England's estimated 4,500 funeral directors. However, this would require a major expansion of the HTA, which currently has only 57 staff.
Alternative options being considered include granting inspection powers to local authorities, similar to health and safety checks for businesses.
Government Pledges Action
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones is expected to outline the government's initial response to the Fuller inquiry in the coming weeks, with detailed proposals for tighter regulations due in the summer.
A government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the grieving families affected by this awful situation. They rightly expected their loved ones to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to taking action to ensure the highest standards are always met by funeral directors."
For families like Michaela Baldwin, whose stepfather's body was found at the Legacies parlour after they had received ashes they believed were his, change cannot come soon enough. "It's absolutely disgraceful," she said. "There needs to be regulation... paperwork must stay with the deceased at all times. This must happen asap for the sake of the families."
