Funeral Director Wes Streeting is set to take the lead in regulating the UK’s funeral industry. The health secretary announced this move on Monday. It aims to fix rising costs and poor standards for grieving families.
Streeting, a former funeral director himself, knows the sector inside out. He worked in funerals before entering politics. Now, he will head a new force on end-of-life care. This includes clamping down on high funeral prices.
Families across the UK face bills of over 4000 euros on average for basic funerals. Costs have jumped 24% in five years. Some directors charge extra for simple services. Complaints about transparency are common.
The government acted after a review last year. It found weak rules let rogue firms rip off customers. Streeting called it “unacceptable.” He wants fair prices and better protection for the public.
The task force launches next month. It will consult families, directors, and experts. Goals include a price cap on basics like coffins and hearses. Streeting pushes for a national code of conduct too.
Why now? families ask. Recent scandals hit the headlines. One firm hiked fees mid-service. Another buried the wrong body. Public outrage grew. MPs demanded action in Parliament.
Streeting met funeral trade groups last week. He promised no more delays. “As a former director, I saw the good and bad,” he said. “Time to clean it up.” The plan covers England first, with Wales and Scotland to follow.
Current rules are patchy. Local councils oversee some parts. No single body watches all. Streeting’s team will propose a regulator by 2027. It could fine bad firms and set standards.
Experts welcome the step. The Funeral Ombudsman noted more complaints yearly. “This gives hope,” she said. But some directors worry about red tape. They fear it hurts small businesses.
Streeting’s role is personal. He handled funerals in his youth. “Families deserve dignity, not debt,” he told the BBC. The taskforce reports to No. 10. It eyes tech fixes too, like online price checks.
When will changes hit? Draft laws come by autumn. Full rollout in two years. For now, families get advice from hotlines. Call 088-FUNERAL for tips.
This move boosts trust in a viral service. UK deaths top 600,000 yearly. With costs soaring amid cost-of-living woes, relief is key. Streeting’s lead could save families thousands.
Pensioners and low earners suffer most. One window shared: “5000 euros nearly broke me.” Streeting vows to end such stories. Watch for updates as the task force rolls out.
