Brits are calling for major reforms in the funeral sector, with 14,000 signatures already collected on a petition demanding Government action. Pure Cremation, a funeral plan provider, has launched an eight-point plan to secure better oversight of the industry in England and Wales.
Dignity, Security and Transparency Act
The initiative, the "Dignity, Security and Transparency Act", urges ministers to implement sweeping regulatory changes over the next three years to address unregulated care. A statement released by Pure Cremation reads: "We're calling on the UK Government and Parliament to introduce independent, statutory regulation of funeral directors in England and Wales — requiring high standards for dignity, security and transparency — so every family receives the standard of care they already believe is in place."
Recent Scandals Prompt Action
The proposal follows a series of cases of malpractice, neglect and abuse in the funeral profession, including the recent Hull funeral home and Gosport funeral director scandals. Pure Cremation says the current system is "failing the deceased and the bereaved" and is calling for mandatory licensing, annual inspections and an independent statutory regulator within three years.
MPs Back the Petition
MPs have since backed the petition, with Labour MP Mark Sewards saying: "Families deserve transparency and confidence at one of the most difficult times in their lives, and a robust regulatory framework is essential to provide that assurance. Recent cases have exposed serious weaknesses in the current system, undermining public trust in the funeral sector."
MP Caroline Dinenage added: "At a time of great sadness, families need confidence that at the very least the body of their loved one is being treated with dignity and care. The sector needs to rebuild public confidence and redouble efforts to prevent bereaved families ever having to endure the horrors we saw in the Gosport case through stronger regulation and greater transparency."
Scotland Leads the Way
Scotland introduced a regulatory framework for funeral directors last year. Their legislation, introduced on March 1, 2025, set a mandatory standard for care, transparency and service. It also gave inspectors powers to visit premises and enforce compliance. By contrast, funeral services in England and Wales remain unlicensed. Seven in 10 UK adults think that funeral directors must be licensed or registered to operate, when in fact there is no such requirement.
Call for Change
Ian Atkinson, marketing director at Pure Cremation, said: "Families trust funeral directors at the most painful moment of their lives. They assume proper safeguards are in place. Too often, they are not. Most funeral directors work hard to care for the deceased and the bereaved. But there are still no universal rules on training, facilities, refrigeration, CCTV or oversight. Families are being asked to rely on trust alone."
