Report shows confidence in funeral directors

Reviews of all businesses in the two districts were completed at the request of Government following an investigation into care of the deceased at a funeral directors in Hull earlier this year.

The Ministry of Justice and Minister for Local Government asked for visits to be carried out as a matter of public reassurance in the largely unregulated industry.

A total of 25 funeral directors, some with more than one branch in Rother and Wealden, were given public reassurance following assessment of hygiene, facility conditions and capability, traceability and transparency, dignity and condition of deceased people in their care and pre-paid funeral plans.

Councillor Kathryn Field, Rother District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health, said: “It’s so important that our residents feel confident that their loved ones are being treated with care and respect as preparations are made for their funeral, and I am pleased that we have been able to carry out checks to give them that assurance.”

“There are no legal standards in place and officers put in a great deal of effort to understand how the industry operates, working closely with industry bodies, the National Association of Funeral Directors and Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. For peace of mind, I would urge residents to use a funeral directors which has received our assurance.”

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management said, “I am pleased to see that many funeral directors in Wealden have received letters of assurance which highlight the highest standards of care and professionalism. It is important that local residents feel assured when they are choosing a funeral director to look after their deceased family member and they are doing so with confidence at what is a difficult time.

“The letters of assurance sent out by our Environmental Health Service should help provide residents with confidence and trust that their loved one is in caring hands during a challenging and upsetting time. I am also grateful to the efforts of our Environmental Health team who undertook this investigation in such a professional manner.”

Following visits by environmental health officers, all but two of Rother and Wealden’s funeral directors were given letters of public assurance.  Officers were unable to carry our check on Aurora Funerals in Crowborough or Fenix Funeral Directors, listed in Bexhill, and public assurance was not given.

Notes to editors

Public assurance was given to the following funeral directors;

Wealden Funeral Services in Heathfield and Crowborough

Haine & Son at Market Place Battle, South Road Hailsham and High Street Polegate.

Bexhill Funeral Services, Sackville Road Bexhill.

Mummery Funeral Care with the Co Op – Ninfield Road and Devonshire Road Bexhill

Ellis Brothers Funeral Services Rye

C Waterhouse & Sons Burwash

MLC Funerals Little Common

Arthur C Towner Albert Road Bexhill and High Street Battle

J Perigoe & Sons Northiam

Cooper & Sons Cross in Hand Heathfield and New Town Uckfield

Fuller & Scott High Street Uckfield

R Butler & son High Street Hailsham

Paul Bysouth & Son Croft Street Crowborough

Richard Green Funeral Services High Street Uckfield

Co Operative Funeral care at High St Uckfield, High St Polegate, The Dittons Polegate.

Ballard and Shortall Forest Row

White Feathers Funeral Station Approach Heathfield

Hailsham Funeral Services, Hailsham

Tester Jones Funeral Services Crowborough

Heathfield Funeral services Heathfield

Alex Jones Funeral Services Forest Row

Public assurance was also given to the online services;

Celebration of Life

Farewill

Aura Funerals

Pure Cremation

Distinct Cremations