Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 March 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 April 2020. It was answered by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 April 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Funerals: Coronavirus

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is timely, accessible advice available to religious communities concerning rules relating to (1) funeral services, (2) burials, and (3) cremations, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer

The government issued guidance on closure of business and venues on 23 March: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance. This sets out that funerals may continue to take place in places of worship and crematoria. On 31 March, Public Health England (PHE) published further guidance to ensure funerals are conducted safely, consistent with social distancing principles: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-advice-for-safe-funerals-after-discussions-with-faith-leaders. Faith leaders were consulted and worked with PHE to ensure that communities, the funeral industry and the NHS are protected.

Government is working with partners, including leaders and members of faith and belief communities, to communicate relevant guidance and to understand the issues faith communities are facing at this difficult time. We continue to value the input of our faith and belief communities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2923
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Cremation Funerals Burial Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk