Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case. Read indexed debates, questions, statements and early day motions, with links to the original parliamentary records.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Government intends to provide a full response to the Fuller Inquiry's recommendations.
I wish to update the House on the Government’s proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector, announced this summer following the sentencing of criminal funeral director Robert Bush. These proposals will seek to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector and ensure better protection for bereaved families.On 31 July, Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to twenty years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and...
I wish to update the House on the Government’s proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector, announced this summer following the sentencing of criminal funeral director Robert Bush. These proposals will seek to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector and ensure better protection for bereaved families.
On 31 July, Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to twenty years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading and theft.
His actions were utterly abhorrent, and my thoughts remain with all the bereaved families in Hull who were so badly let down. Every person in every situation deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves certainty that their loved ones are being treated with care and respect.
For those families, there can be few things more painful than knowing a loved one was not treated properly after they died. The deceased cannot speak for themselves, which is why clear safeguards, stronger oversight and consistent standards are needed to protect their dignity and give families the reassurance they deserve.
Sadly, this case was just the latest horrendous example in our country of the deceased not being treated with the care and respect they deserved.
Sir Jonathan Michael’s independent inquiry into the horrific crimes of David Fuller in the mortuary of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust showed the need to ensure better standards across all settings that look after our loved ones after they die, including those where some level of regulation is already in place.
Building on the progress already made in responding to the Fuller Inquiry (see HCWS26, 15 July 2026), and in the wake of the Robert Bush case, the Government will therefore bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, to drive rogue operators out of the funeral industry, and to protect other families from suffering this same heartache.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading this work alongside the Ministry of Justice and other government departments, and will draw up detailed proposals to drive up standards, including proper regulation of the funeral sector. As part of this work, the Law Commission will also undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed.
The Government will work closely with bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that future policy in this area is proportionate, effective and informed by those with relevant experience. This will ensure families can have confidence that funeral providers are meeting clear, consistent standards, no matter where they live or which provider they choose.
These changes will also reinforce the profound responsibility placed on anyone entrusted with caring for someone after death. The majority of funeral providers live up to that responsibility, and offer compassionate and professional care every day. Nevertheless, stronger oversight, including proper regulation of the sector, will protect families from rogue operators, support good providers and restore confidence in a sector that people must be able to trust in moments of profound grief and loss.
We will keep the House updated as this work progresses, and set out our detailed plans and timetables for the implementation of these new proposals in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, (a) what steps she is taking to implement the recommendations of the Fuller Inquiry, particularly in relation to a statutory regulatory scheme for funeral directors; and (b) what consideration has been given to the potential merits of requiring that individuals working with the deceased in funeral homes and other non-NHS settings be subject to a DBS check or similar vetting procedure.
I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 1 September, available at the following link:
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-09-01/hcws295
We will provide further updates in due course, including on progress in implementing the recommendations in the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Government Interim Update on Progress, when he plans to respond to recommendations 29, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 71 and 72.
I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 1 September, available at the following link:
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-09-01/hcws295
We will provide further updates in due course, including on progress in implementing the recommendations in the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report.
I am today updating the House on the Government’s progress in responding to the recommendations of the independent inquiry into the serious issues arising from the appalling actions of David Fuller. The Inquiry’s final report, published on 15 July 2025, made seventy-five recommendations to strengthen the security and dignity of people after death across a wide range of settings. As the House will recall, it found that arrangements for the care of the deceased were partial, piecemeal and not u...
I am today updating the House on the Government’s progress in responding to the recommendations of the independent inquiry into the serious issues arising from the appalling actions of David Fuller. The Inquiry’s final report, published on 15 July 2025, made seventy-five recommendations to strengthen the security and dignity of people after death across a wide range of settings. As the House will recall, it found that arrangements for the care of the deceased were partial, piecemeal and not universally mandated.
To mark one year since publication, I am providing a further update on progress since the Government’s interim update of 16 December 2025. The Government has worked with NHS England, the Human Tissue Authority, the Local Government Association and other partners, through a dedicated cross-government programme board, to consider each recommendation and determine the action required.
At this time Government has accepted in full the majority of Sir Jonathan Michael recommendations and is already taking forward a substantial programme of work to address the issues raised.
Significant progress has been made to address the recommendations for NHS Hospitals. NHS England has worked to agree actions at NHS board level to strengthen mortuary security across the NHS estate, alongside wider work to strengthen governance, accountability and safeguarding arrangements. NHS England has also issued a national system letter setting out the actions expected of each NHS trust and providers to ensure improvements are delivered consistently.
There are a further group of recommendations where the Government agrees with the intent and direction of travel, but where further consideration is needed before implementation can proceed as stated in the Inquiry’s report. These recommendations affect a range of organisations and settings, each with different operational requirements and regulatory arrangements. We are therefore undertaking further work to understand the practical implications, costs and benefits, and to ensure that any changes are proportionate, effective and deliverable. This includes working with local authorities to support closer alignment with Human Tissue Authority standards on security, governance and audit.
Some of these recommendations relate to the wider regulation of sectors involved in caring for the deceased outside the NHS, including the funeral sector. These raise broader questions about the most appropriate regulatory framework and the potential impact on businesses, local authorities and others providing these important services. The Government is carefully considering these issues to ensure that any future changes improve standards and oversight while remaining proportionate and sustainable. We recognise the significance of these issues and will update the House as soon as practicably possible on how we intend to take these recommendations forward.
Throughout this work, the Government remains committed to improving standards and oversight of care for the deceased and ensuring that bereaved families can have confidence that their loved ones will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion, regardless of the setting in which care is provided. This work also sits alongside action being taken in response to the horrific, recent findings from the Independent Review of Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which have further highlighted the importance of robust governance, oversight and respectful care for the deceased. Immediate action has been taken by the Human Tissue Authority who has instructed all mortuaries to review internal records over the last 10 years to ensure all incidents have been logged and reported. The findings of this exercise will be reported to Ministers by 16 October 2026.
The Government remains committed to providing a full response to Sir Jonathan Michael's report once the leadership period for Prime Minister has concluded. Nonetheless, it is important that the House is updated on the progress made to date while further work continues across Government and with delivery partners.
Progress will continue to be monitored, where possible, through the Cabinet Office’s GOV.UK record of recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024. The Public Inquiries: Recommendations and Government Response dashboard can be accessed here.
I thank all those who contributed evidence to the Inquiry, and in particular the families whose experiences informed this work. The Government remains committed to learning the lessons of these events and ensuring that care for the deceased is consistent across all settings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department collects annually from Local Authorities on the provision of cremation and burial services; and if he will publish that data.
The Government does not collect this information and has therefore not done any assessments.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading the cross-government response to the Fuller Inquiry and will publish a full response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, including consideration of the funeral sector, by summer 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protection provided by at-need funeral, cremation and burial services offered by Local Authorities.
The Government does not collect this information and has therefore not done any assessments.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading the cross-government response to the Fuller Inquiry and will publish a full response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, including consideration of the funeral sector, by summer 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the value for money of at-need funeral, cremation and burial services offered by Local Authorities.
The Government does not collect this information and has therefore not done any assessments.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading the cross-government response to the Fuller Inquiry and will publish a full response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, including consideration of the funeral sector, by summer 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department collects annually from Local Authorities on the provision of pre-need and at-need funeral services; and if he will publish that data.
The Government does not collect this information and has therefore not done any assessments.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading the cross-government response to the Fuller Inquiry and will publish a full response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, including consideration of the funeral sector, by summer 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Department of Health and Social Care on consumer protection measures for the funeral sector.
The Department for Business and Trade has engaged with the Department of Health and Social Care to consider consumer protection issues in the funeral sector, including in relation to the Fuller Inquiry’s recommendations. The Government will publish its response to the Fuller Inquiry in Summer 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of potential funding models for any future regulation of the funeral sector.
Raising standards in the care and treatment of the deceased is a sensitive and complex issue, spanning a number of sectors. The Department is leading cross-Government work to consider the full range of options across all relevant settings, including the funeral sector. This includes consideration of minimum standards, potential regulatory arrangements, and funding models.
The Government has committed to publishing a response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those on improving standards for the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing minimum standards for the funeral sector.
Raising standards in the care and treatment of the deceased is a sensitive and complex issue, spanning a number of sectors. The Department is leading cross-Government work to consider the full range of options across all relevant settings, including the funeral sector. This includes consideration of minimum standards, potential regulatory arrangements, and funding models.
The Government has committed to publishing a response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those on improving standards for the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Government will create a statutory regulator to oversee the funeral sector.
Raising standards in the care and treatment of the deceased is a sensitive and complex issue, spanning a number of sectors. The Department is leading cross-Government work to consider the full range of options across all relevant settings, including the funeral sector. This includes consideration of minimum standards, potential regulatory arrangements, and funding models.
The Government has committed to publishing a response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those on improving standards for the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Business on the regulation of the funeral sector.
The death management process, including the care of the deceased through to burial or cremation, engages the policy and/or operational responsibilities of a number of Departments and arm’s length bodies. This includes the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In addition, its delivery is reliant on a wide range of providers from within the public, private, faith and not-for-profit sectors.
This Department has worked closely within government and with the wider funeral sector in response to the horrific incident involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors and other similar, equally disturbing, cases. In its Phase 2 report published in July 2025 (David Fuller inquiry: phase 2 report - GOV.UK), the Fuller Inquiry called for the Government to urgently introduce independent statutory regulation to safeguard the security and dignity of those who have died. Going forward, the Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased in all settings, including the funeral sector, supported by the Departments I have specifically mentioned above.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that funeral directors carry out the lawful burial or cremation of bodies following the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
The death management process, including the care of the deceased through to burial or cremation, engages the policy and/or operational responsibilities of a number of Departments and arm’s length bodies. This includes the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In addition, its delivery is reliant on a wide range of providers from within the public, private, faith and not-for-profit sectors.
This Department has worked closely within government and with the wider funeral sector in response to the horrific incident involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors and other similar, equally disturbing, cases. In its Phase 2 report published in July 2025 (David Fuller inquiry: phase 2 report - GOV.UK), the Fuller Inquiry called for the Government to urgently introduce independent statutory regulation to safeguard the security and dignity of those who have died. Going forward, the Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased in all settings, including the funeral sector, supported by the Departments I have specifically mentioned above.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which Government departments and agencies are responsible for bodies of the departed from death through to (a) burial and (b) cremation.
The death management process, including the care of the deceased through to burial or cremation, engages the policy and/or operational responsibilities of a number of Departments and arm’s length bodies. This includes the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In addition, its delivery is reliant on a wide range of providers from within the public, private, faith and not-for-profit sectors.
This Department has worked closely within government and with the wider funeral sector in response to the horrific incident involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors and other similar, equally disturbing, cases. In its Phase 2 report published in July 2025 (David Fuller inquiry: phase 2 report - GOV.UK), the Fuller Inquiry called for the Government to urgently introduce independent statutory regulation to safeguard the security and dignity of those who have died. Going forward, the Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased in all settings, including the funeral sector, supported by the Departments I have specifically mentioned above.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has any plans to provide for single oversight of the funeral industry and the handling of bodies and funerals.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-Government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased in all settings, including the funeral sector, supported by the Department of Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what measures his Department is considering to protect the dignity of human bodies in the context of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-Government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased in all settings, including the funeral sector, supported by the Department of Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made towards establishing statutory regulation of the funeral sector.
The Department of Health and Social Care is leading on co-ordinating cross-Government work to consider options for raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased, supported by the Department of Business and Trade, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Government has committed to publishing its full response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 report in summer 2026. This will set out the Government’s position on all 75 recommendations, including those relating to raising standards in relation to the care and treatment of the deceased.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 4 September 2025, to Question 70519, on Public Inquiries, what has been the total public cost to date of the Fuller Inquiry.
The total cost of the Fuller Inquiry from its commencement in November 2021 to the end of July 2025 is £3,767,395.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has the Department made of the potential merits of funeral directors becoming a a) licensable or b) inspectable activity under existing environmental health frameworks.
The Government offers its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the events referred to in these questions.
Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the recruitment and management of Environmental Health Officers to fulfil their statutory obligations. Environmental Health Officers have no statutory role relating to funeral homes.
The Department has not made an assessment or collected data on regulatory gaps, environmental health standards, or the merits of inspection relating to funeral directors, but are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who are leading the government response to the Fuller Inquiry. An interim update on the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations was published in December 2025, and DHSC has committed to publishing the Government’s full response in summer 2026. That response will set out the Government’s position on any potential future changes to oversight or regulation of the funeral sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has the department made of the adequacy of environmental health inspections with regard to the case of Elkin & Bell Funeral Directors, Portsmouth Crown Court 2026.
The Government offers its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the events referred to in these questions.
Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the recruitment and management of Environmental Health Officers to fulfil their statutory obligations. Environmental Health Officers have no statutory role relating to funeral homes.
The Department has not made an assessment or collected data on regulatory gaps, environmental health standards, or the merits of inspection relating to funeral directors, but are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who are leading the government response to the Fuller Inquiry. An interim update on the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations was published in December 2025, and DHSC has committed to publishing the Government’s full response in summer 2026. That response will set out the Government’s position on any potential future changes to oversight or regulation of the funeral sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what data does the department collect on environmental health breaches associated with a) poor hygiene, b) storage of bodies or c) handling practices in funeral premises.
The Government offers its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the events referred to in these questions.
Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the recruitment and management of Environmental Health Officers to fulfil their statutory obligations. Environmental Health Officers have no statutory role relating to funeral homes.
The Department has not made an assessment or collected data on regulatory gaps, environmental health standards, or the merits of inspection relating to funeral directors, but are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who are leading the government response to the Fuller Inquiry. An interim update on the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations was published in December 2025, and DHSC has committed to publishing the Government’s full response in summer 2026. That response will set out the Government’s position on any potential future changes to oversight or regulation of the funeral sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has been made of standards of environmental health particular to funeral directors as settings which could impact public health.
The Government offers its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the events referred to in these questions.
Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the recruitment and management of Environmental Health Officers to fulfil their statutory obligations. Environmental Health Officers have no statutory role relating to funeral homes.
The Department has not made an assessment or collected data on regulatory gaps, environmental health standards, or the merits of inspection relating to funeral directors, but are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who are leading the government response to the Fuller Inquiry. An interim update on the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations was published in December 2025, and DHSC has committed to publishing the Government’s full response in summer 2026. That response will set out the Government’s position on any potential future changes to oversight or regulation of the funeral sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has the department made of possible regulatory gaps concerning funeral directors with particular regard to a) environmental health and b) public safety.
The Government offers its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the events referred to in these questions.
Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the recruitment and management of Environmental Health Officers to fulfil their statutory obligations. Environmental Health Officers have no statutory role relating to funeral homes.
The Department has not made an assessment or collected data on regulatory gaps, environmental health standards, or the merits of inspection relating to funeral directors, but are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who are leading the government response to the Fuller Inquiry. An interim update on the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations was published in December 2025, and DHSC has committed to publishing the Government’s full response in summer 2026. That response will set out the Government’s position on any potential future changes to oversight or regulation of the funeral sector.