The vile ‘fake ashes’ scandal shows why regulation is needed for funeral directors

The Daily Star says that the despicable actions of funeral boss Robert Bush, who admitted charges related to giving bereaved families the wrong ashes, has rightly outraged the nation

Losing a loved one is a horrific experience. That’s why the job of undertakers are so important.

They are there to make the traumatic time of saying farewell as respectful and as pleasant as possible. Which is why the despicable actions of funeral boss Robert Bush outraged the nation. The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to charges related to giving bereaved families the wrong ashes.

It’s hard to imagine the pain and hell this has caused for those affected by his selfish deeds. But what is clear is this can never happen again to another family. In some ways Bush was able to get away with his crimes for so long is because there is no specific regulatory regime for funeral directors.

It means anyone can set up a funeral business and operate with very few rules for oversight. That is a truly shocking state of affairs.

Victims of Bush have joined calls for the Government to regulate the industry. Labour have committed to “some form” of regulation but said it would not decide until the summer.

This is not good enough. They should stop dragging their feet and act now.

Before any other rogue operators compound the grief of families saying their final goodbye.

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