Inquiry Urges Reform in Funeral Services Sector

An inquiry led by Sir Jonathan Michael has highlighted significant regulatory gaps in the funeral services sector in England, following the case of necrophiliac David Fuller who abused over 100 corpses in hospital mortuaries. The inquiry calls for urgent government action to establish an independent regulatory body, including a licensing scheme and mandatory standards for funeral directors, to prevent future abuses and ensure the dignity of the deceased is respected. Recent investigations into funeral homes, including Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, revealed appalling practices like storing bodies unrefrigerated and keeping ashes unidentified, underscoring systemic failures in the industry. Despite public shock and outrage, the inquiry found minimal changes in industry practices post-Fuller’s crimes, prompting calls for stringent oversight to safeguard the deceased. Sir Jonathan noted the distressing reality that anyone can currently operate as a funeral director without qualifications or oversight, potentially keeping bodies in unsuitable conditions such as garages. The inquiry's findings aim to prompt immediate legislative action to address these critical issues in the funeral sector.