Donna Jones calls for robust funeral industry regulation to protect grieving families

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is calling for the introduction of a robust regulatory framework for funeral directors in England and Wales following a landmark case in Gosport.

The case found Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, kept bodies in an unrefrigerated room for more than a month.

Both have been found guilty of preventing lawful burial.

Prosecutors said 46 bodies were kept in the uncooled mortuary at Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, in 2022 and 2023.

PCC Donna Jones said:  “This case caused profound distress to families who trusted professionals to treat their loved ones with dignity and respect. My thoughts remain with all those affected.

“It is clear there are serious gaps in the way funeral directors are currently regulated in England and Wales. This case has exposed that. At present, there is no statutory regulator for this sector, meaning standards, oversight and accountability are inconsistent. That is simply not acceptable for a service that people rely on at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

“I wholeheartedly support the introduction of a robust regulatory framework for funeral directors, including clear standards, proper inspection and enforcement powers. This would help prevent such appalling failures from happening again.

“I will work closely with the Member of Parliament for Gosport, Dame Caroline Dineage, to raise this issue with government. While the police have acted decisively where criminal offences have occurred, stronger regulation would help protect families earlier and reduce the risk of harm before matters ever reach that stage.

“Grieving families deserve reassurance that their loved ones will be treated with the highest standards of care and compassion. As Commissioner, I will continue to support efforts to strengthen protections and accountability in this sector.”