Following the conviction of funeral director Robert Bush, the government has proposed developing a statutory regulatory scheme to govern the funeral industry.
Bush was jailed for 20 years after admitting 67 offences, including 30 charges of preventing a lawful and decent burial and theft from 12 charities. Hundreds of families were affected, and in sentencing Bush, Judge Justice Hilliard told him he had ‘caused anguish and pain on a scale beyond comprehension.’
Government proposals
On 31st July 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care issued a press release stating that 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.
It stated that this would involve ‘developing a range of detailed proposals to drive up standards, including regulation of the funeral sector.’
Plans will be drawn up in consultation with established operators, faith groups, families and other stakeholders.
The Law Commission plans to review the existing criminal law, look at any gaps in protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, where required.
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.”
Justice Minister, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “Losing someone you love causes unimaginable pain, but discovering that the very people trusted to give them a dignified farewell have betrayed that trust is unforgivable.
“That’s why today we’re taking decisive action to boost oversight of the funeral sector – on top of our unprecedented £550 million over the next 3 years to support all victims – to make sure such atrocities never happen again.”
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