Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Bereavement

03 February 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Grahame Morris Lab Easington

Mental HealthNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Grahame Morris raised concerns about bereavement in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP Grahame Morris highlighted the need for a bereavement standard to simplify account closure processes for grieving families.
  • Morris called for the introduction of digital death certificates and statutory bereavement leave to ease the burdens on those dealing with loss.
  • The Minister acknowledged ongoing cross-government efforts to support bereaved families and announced 4.2 million in additional funding for mental health and bereavement support charities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Grahame Morris Lab Easington

MP Grahame Morris highlighted the importance of a bereavement standard to streamline account closure processes for grieving families, stressing the need for cross-governmental coordination. He emphasised the time-consuming and traumatic nature of dealing with multiple organisations after losing a loved one and called on the Government to introduce digital death certificates and statutory bereavement leave to ease these burdens. Morris cited Settld, Cruse Bereavement Care, and Sue Ryder's support in raising awareness about issues affecting grieving families.

Other contributors (2)
  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley East

    She agreed with Morris’s call for a bereavement standard to help those dealing with the administration of accounts after losing someone, especially considering industrial diseases like mesothelioma.

  • Robert Neill Con Croydon North

    He highlighted his involvement in an all-party group on bereavement and stressed the importance of cross-governmental coordination to address issues like vaccination, funeral arrangements, and death registration services.

Government Response

Paul Scully

The Minister acknowledged the importance of improving the bereavement process and supporting those dealing with loss. He noted the significant impact of the pandemic on bereaved families and highlighted ongoing cross-government efforts to support bereavement services. The Minister mentioned £4.2 million in additional funding for mental health charities and charities providing bereavement support, as part of a broader package announced by the Chancellor. He emphasised the work of regulators such as Ofgem and water companies to ensure compassionate treatment of consumers experiencing bereavement. However, he cautioned against hastily developed standardisation that could be counterproductive. The Minister committed to further collaboration with regulators and industry experts to develop better solutions for the bereaved. Regarding digital death certificates, he clarified that digital copies of death certification documents are being explored to provide more clarity and confidence for firms. He also mentioned Jack’s law on parental bereavement leave and pay as a positive step forward.

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