Context
The Fuller inquiry recommended introducing statutory regulation for funeral directors. Zoe Ward and Cody Townend, two mothers from Leeds who lost babies to different circumstances but were served by the same unregulated funeral director, have had their cases highlighted.
Question
What steps are being taken to introduce statutory regulation of the funeral sector given the Fuller inquiry's recommendations? The Minister will be aware of the plight of Zoe Ward and Cody Townend from Leeds who lost babies in different circumstances but went to the same unregulated funeral director. Despite shocking details, police found nothing actionable because the sector is not regulated. Will the Minister commit to meeting Zoe, Cody, and me to discuss these cases and how quickly we can regulate the law?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The House is horrified at the cases of Zoe and Cody. Dignity for the deceased should be upheld by all as a fundamental importance. The Minister is committed to ensuring funeral regulation is correct, working on this with colleagues in other departments. She would be honoured to meet her hon. Friend, Zoe and Cody to discuss this further.
Not addressed: Commitment to specific timeline or concrete steps for regulation was not provided
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)