Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Thursday, 28 January 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 February 2021 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Tuesday, 2 February 2021. A substantive answer was provided by Nadine Dorries (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 February 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Funerals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps funeral directors need to take to remain compliant with the law on mourner limits when helping families organise funerals, in addition to complying with guidance published by the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Answer: Those responsible for organising a funeral must take all reasonable steps to ensure the event takes place in a safe and secure way that complies with all relevant legislation, including around attendance. A funeral director should notify the police if they reasonably believe that the numbers attending are likely to breach the legal limits despite their best efforts to prevent this or the numbers in attendance have unexpectedly exceeded the legal limits.

Secondary information