Visits made to all funeral directors in Hull and the East Riding have now been completed, as a consequence of the on-going Humberside Police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Ltd.
Public protection teams from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have spent the past three weeks speaking to funeral directors and carrying out visits to their premises.
Officers from both authorities made a total of 50 visits to review compliance with health and safety regulations, operational procedures and care of the deceased, and to offer support and advice to businesses.
While the sector is not formally regulated, the visits were an opportunity for the public protection officers to look at a number of key areas of funeral directors’ business and provide reassurance to both customers and businesses.
Rachel Stephenson, head of public protection at Hull City Council, said: “We are pleased to report the businesses we visited were all welcoming and receptive if any advice or suggestions were made.
“It is very clear from our visits that the ongoing incident at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Ltd is in no way typical of the funeral industry in our area.”
Angela Dearing, director of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We would like to thank all the funeral businesses for their cooperation, professionalism and for their support of these visits.
“There is currently no national statutory regulation of funeral directors, so councils don’t have specific powers or responsibilities to oversee these businesses.
“Therefore, these voluntary visits were conducted in partnership with funeral directors, in order to give reassurances to customers and our local funeral directors.”
The visits were supported by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
Residents who have been affected by the recent incident and would like grief and bereavement support can visit the Hull City Council website: www.hull.gov.uk/griefsupport for information and signposting to local and national bereavement services, wellbeing support and community groups. This information will be updated as further support is developed with our partners.
SUPPORT LINE
A new support line has been established for anyone with any concerns or who has been affected following the launch of a police investigation into Legacy Funeral Directors in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Victim Support, a specialist, independent charity, has opened a helpline and support service, to support those affected.
This bespoke service to our communities includes a dedicated phone line and ongoing support options, and will be run in liaison with Humberside Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, to provide timely support and personalised assistance in relation to any worries people may have in connection to the investigation.
The Victim Support number to call is 0808 281 1136.