Following a report from the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), the UK Government has praised ‘unsung heroes’ in the funeral sector, whilst acknowledging the need for funeral regulatory body.
A report released yesterday, 7 April 2021, by the Ministry of Justice, says, “The funeral sector is often made up of unsung heroes within the community, with much of their work unseen by the public. The government recognises the hard work of the funeral sector, and further appreciates its dedication through the particular challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The report goes on to say that the government recognises issues raised by the CMA’s market investigation report into the funeral sector, stating, “While the government understands the challenges that the sector is currently facing [amid COVID-19], we accept the CMA’s findings on both the need for price transparency and improved quality standards in order to improve both competition and users’ experiences and choice.”
The report further acknowledges the need for a sector-wide regulatory body, but that the ongoing COVID-19 circumstances are putting this on hold for now:
“…given the ongoing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government does not think that now is the time to move to wholescale regulation. However, the
government and funeral directors are keen to make changes to address the CMA’s recommendations in the short-term. We are confident from our engagement with the sector that they are very willing to co-operate in establishing both a consistent set of quality standards across the sector…”
To read the report in full, see the gov.uk website here.