Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said a ‘proper response’ is needed to ensure ‘there can’t be any repeat of what we’ve seen’
Robert Bush’s sentencing follows a lengthy police investigation which began in March 2024(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
The Government says there will be an “urgent” crackdown on rogue funeral operators following the jailing of Robert Bush. Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, backed calls for further regulation of the industry and said “there can’t be any repeat of what we’ve seen”.
The “abhorrent” and “unprecedented” case of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors that has rocked the Hull community since the investigation began in March 2024 has become the centre of national attention this week as Bush was jailed for 20 years following a five-day sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court. The 48 year old, formerly of Kirk Ella, but later of East Busk Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, admitted 67 offences including those relating to the treatment of dead bodies and ashes along with the sale of fraudulent funeral plans and theft from charities.
On Friday afternoon, the Department for Health and Social Care announced it will work alongside other government departments, including the Ministry of Justice and the Law Commission to “crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector, and to protect bereaved families against the heartbreak of having their loved ones mistreated in death”.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Robert Bush’s actions were utterly abhorrent, and my thoughts are with all the bereaved families in Hull who have been so badly let down. In the wake of this horrific case, we will now bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, including proper regulation of the funeral sector.
“We are determined to drive rogue operators out of this industry, and protect other families from suffering this same heartache. 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.”
The Prime Minister offered his sympathies to the families affected by Bush’s crimes and offered his support for regulation. Speaking on a visit to Sheffield, Mr Burnham said: “I do back those calls, and there were recommendations in the Fuller Report that will be implemented because we have seen appalling situations like this before.
“I feel for the families and I know it’ll be a difficult day for them with these matters in court again. I was truly horrified when I heard what had happened. Appalling for any family to go through that. This needs a proper response in terms of the regulation needed, to make sure no family goes through that again.
“People, I think, would assume that the highest standards apply to this area and we’ve got to make sure that they do apply and that there can’t be any repeat of what we’ve seen.”
The Government said it will work with operators, faith groups, families and other stakeholders to come up with plans. It says the action will “give families confidence that funeral providers are meeting clear, consistent standards, no matter where they live or which provider they choose” and “reinforce the profound responsibility placed on anyone entrusted with caring for someone after death”.
Though it says many funeral providers offer compassionate and professional care every day, tougher oversight would ensure families are protected from malpractice while supporting good operators to “restore confidence in a sector people rely on when they are at their most vulnerable”.
Andrew Judd, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Funeral Directors, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to raising standards and oversight across the whole funeral sector and look forward to working with Government to ensure that every single deceased person and their bereaved families are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
“We will work with Government and industry during the engagement to secure meaningful change for all bereaved families as soon as possible. We believe that statutory regulation can best achieve this aim and will continue to make that case during this process.”
Paul Allcock, Government Liaison at the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), said: “SAIF welcomes the DHSC’s commitment to engaging with the funeral profession on regulation. Any framework must protect the deceased and their families as a priority, but must also uphold standards and recognise small and medium-sized independent funeral businesses. It should be proportionate, preserve family choice and maintain a diverse market.
“We’re committed to supporting the engagement and cross-government work. SAIF members currently follow the UK Funeral Director Code and undergo inspections of premises, mortuary facilities and administrative processes. Families also have access to an independent complaints and redress process, delivered by an externally audited alternative dispute resolution body certified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, providing an added safeguard.
“We’ll continue working closely with the DHSC and MOJ to shape regulation that protects the deceased, their families and supports a sustainable funeral profession.”
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