Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Funeral Directors: Regulation

09 March 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

Standards & Ethics

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about funeral directors: regulation in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about improper storage and handling of bodies by Elkin and Bell Funeral Directors, stressing the need for better regulation.
  • Caroline Dinenage discussed the necessity for mandatory qualifications, licensing, and regular inspections to ensure transparency and standards in direct cremations.
  • Zubir Ahmed acknowledged the debate's importance and outlined the Government's steps to strengthen criminal law protections and improve data collection in response to the Fuller inquiry.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about the lack of regulation in the funeral sector, highlighting the case of Elkin and Bell Funeral Directors where bodies were improperly stored and handled, causing distress and legal issues. She emphasised the need for better regulation, including mandatory qualifications, licensing, and regular inspections. Dinenage also discussed direct cremations and the need for transparency and standards to ensure dignity and proper treatment of the deceased. She urged the Government to respond to the Fuller report recommendations with urgency and clarity, focusing on the security and dignity of the deceased.

Other contributors (1)
  • Simon Hoare Con North Dorset

    Agreed with Dinenage that better regulation is necessary and highlighted similar cases of malpractice in the funeral sector.

Government Response

Zubir Ahmed

Zubir Ahmed acknowledged the importance of the debate and the need for stronger protections and standards in the funeral sector. He highlighted the Government’s progress in responding to the Fuller inquiry, including steps to strengthen criminal law protections, improve data collection, and review codes of practice. Ahmed committed to continue discussions with relevant Ministers to consider regulatory options that balance the need for high standards with the impact on small businesses. The Minister emphasised the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the security and dignity of the deceased and supporting bereaved families, with a full response to the Fuller report expected in summer 2026.

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