Should the Government Regulate the Funeral Industry?

This article examines the recent call for new regulations in the funeral industry following a shocking investigation by the BBC. A woman, Amie Upton, was found to be keeping deceased infants' bodies in her home, prompting MPs to advocate for stricter oversight and standards for funeral directors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Amie Upton, who runs a baby loss support service, has reportedly kept babies' bodies in her home.
• MP Mark Sewards is pushing for new regulations to ensure proper treatment of deceased infants.
• The funeral industry is unregulated in parts of the UK, leading to calls for a statutory code of conduct.
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust has barred Upton from their facilities following serious concerns.
• The government is exploring options to improve standards in the funeral industry.

Background of the Investigation

The unsettling case of Amie Upton has drawn significant attention after a BBC investigation revealed that she had been storing the remains of deceased infants in her living room. This shocking revelation has raised serious questions about the oversight of funeral services, particularly those catering to bereaved parents. Upton operates Florrie's Army, a baby loss support and funeral service, which has faced accusations regarding the handling of remains.

Immediate Responses from Authorities

In response to the investigation, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust took immediate action by barring Upton from accessing its mortuaries and NHS maternity wards. Reports indicate that the hospital had received multiple serious complaints about her services over the years. These concerns were escalated to the police, external safeguarding services, and the coroner's office.

The Role of MPs in Advocating Change

Labour MP Mark Sewards has emerged as a vocal advocate for reform in the funeral industry. He described the situation as "truly horrific" and expressed the need for legislative changes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The government has indicated a willingness to explore new regulations, with discussions underway involving the Law Commission to draft potential regulations.

The Current State of Funeral Services in the UK

Funeral services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland currently lack comprehensive statutory regulation. In stark contrast, Scotland introduced a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors in March 2023, setting a precedent for governance in the industry. The absence of regulation in other parts of the UK has led to calls for similar measures to protect bereaved families.

Understanding the Call for Regulation

MP Sewards is determined to ensure that the government implements new regulations that guarantee the dignity and respect of deceased individuals, particularly children. He emphasised the importance of a rigorous framework that would hold funeral directors accountable for their practices. The interim report from the ongoing inquiry is expected to be released by summer 2026, outlining the government's progress on implementing these recommendations.

Concerns Raised by Families

Several families have come forward expressing their distress over how their loved ones were treated. One mother described the appalling discovery that her deceased son had been placed in a baby bouncer in Upton's home. This revelation has prompted outrage and a demand for immediate action to ensure families can rely on funeral services to handle remains with the utmost care and respect.

Trade Organisations and Industry Standards

While the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) provide a joint code of conduct for their members, compliance is voluntary. Upton is not a member of either organisation, raising questions about the oversight of non-member funeral directors. These trade organisations advocate for regular inspections and adherence to high standards, but the voluntary nature of membership limits their effectiveness across the industry.

Public Perception and Online Reviews

Despite the serious allegations, many families have left positive reviews of Upton's services on Facebook. Descriptions such as "amazing" and "inspirational" indicate that some families felt supported during their time of grief. This dichotomy highlights the complexity of the situation, where good intentions may have been overshadowed by grave misconduct.

Government's Commitment to Improving Standards

A government spokesperson acknowledged the distressing nature of the situation, reaffirming the commitment to ensure that the highest standards are maintained by funeral directors. The spokesperson indicated that the government is considering various options for enhancing oversight in the industry, demonstrating a proactive approach in response to public concerns.

What Happens Next?

The path forward involves both legislative action and public awareness. As MPs continue to advocate for regulatory changes, families affected by Upton's practices are left grappling with their loss and the implications of this case. The government's inquiry will play a critical role in determining the future of funeral services in the UK.

Conclusion

The distressing revelations surrounding Amie Upton's funeral practices underscore the urgent need for regulation within the funeral industry. As the government prepares to draft new regulations, the support of MPs and public advocacy will be crucial in shaping a framework that prioritises the dignity and respect of those who have passed away. The outcome of this situation could set a significant precedent for how funeral services are conducted in the UK, ensuring that bereaved families can trust in the care provided during their most vulnerable moments.

FAQs

What prompted the call for regulation in the funeral industry?

The call for regulation was prompted by a BBC investigation revealing that Amie Upton, a funeral director, was storing deceased infants' bodies in her home, raising serious concerns about industry standards and practices.

What actions have been taken by the government regarding funeral services?

The government has indicated that it is considering options to improve the standards of funeral directors and is working with the Law Commission to draft potential regulations to ensure proper oversight.

Are funeral services regulated in the UK?

Currently, funeral services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are largely unregulated, unlike Scotland, which has implemented a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors.

What does the interim report from the inquiry entail?

The interim report, expected by summer 2026, will outline the government's progress on implementing recommendations for regulating the funeral industry and ensuring that standards are upheld.

How can families ensure they choose a reputable funeral service?

Families should research funeral services, read reviews, and consider choosing members of recognised trade organisations, which often have codes of conduct and regular inspections in place.

As discussions continue around improving the regulation of funeral services, it remains crucial for the government to listen to the voices of grieving families and ensure that their loved ones are treated with the respect they deserve. #FuneralRegulation #BabyLossSupport #GrievingFamilies