Written question asked by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Monday, 8 March 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 March 2021 (named day). It was answered by Eddie Hughes (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 March 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Funerals: Judaism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the rules which will allow 30 people to attend a funeral will also apply to the formal consecration of a tombstone as part of observance of Jewish faith traditions.

Answer: The Roadmap out of lockdown published on 22 February set out the government’s four-step roadmap by which Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted. The Jewish Stone Setting ceremony comes under the rules governing wakes and other post funeral commemorative events. As such, six people are permitted to attend such a service at present. When we reach step 2 (not before 12 April) that limit will increase to 15, while at Step 3 (not before 17 May) it will rise again to 30.

Secondary information