Funeral Service Times August 2017 May 2019 | Page 6

6
DISPATCHES
Coroners could be given
power to investigate
stillbirths
The Ministry of Justice said it felt more could be done to lower the
number of stillbirths and learn more about why it occurs
The government has launched a consultation which could
see coroners in England and Wales being given the authority to
investigate stillbirths.
This move will mean more infant deaths are independently
assessed allowing society to potentially determine causes for
stillbirths and prevent them from happening.
The Ministry of Justice said while the number of pregnancies which
end in stillbirths had seen a decline since the 1980s and had been the
lowest on record, the department believes “there is still more that
can be done” to prevent “avoidable” stillbirths.
Currently, coroners only investigate the deaths of infants who
showed signs of life after being born.
The Ministry of Justice said: “Whilst we have robust and
comprehensive systems for establishing the possible causes of a
stillbirth and reviewing the care that had been provided, there is
room to further strengthen these processes. Although many parents
CMA launches funerals
market investigation
The regulator will look
at the vulnerability of
people when organising
a funeral and the
reluctance of firms to
disclose clear prices
Following publication
of its interim report in
November 2018, the CMA consulted on whether to progress to a
market investigation.
The responses to the consultation was vastly supportive of the
proposal and the CMA said it remained “concerned about the
effectiveness of competition in the funeral sector”. As a result, it will
proceed to carry out an in-depth market investigation.
The investigation will focus on the supply of services by funeral
directors and the supply of crematoria services.
The CMA’s concerns include:
The rise in cost of organising a funeral, the essential elements of
which have increased by 6% each year – twice the inflation rate
– for the last 14 years.
The vulnerability of many people when organising a funeral,
which may mean that they are not in a position to look at a
range of choices. The CMA said this appears to have made it
easier for some funeral directors to charge high prices.
Reluctance of firms to publish/disclose clear prices, including
online, or to provide comprehensive information on quality and
range, making it difficult for people to compare.
Low numbers of crematoria providers in local areas, and
difficulty for new companies to enter the market due to the
planning regime and high fixed costs.
High prices in relation to crematoria services – the largest
private operators have implemented average price rises of
between 6% and 8% each year for the past eight years and
some local authorities have also implemented large increases
in fees.
MAY 2019
are satisfied with
the results of
these reviews,
others feel they
have not always
been listened to,
or that they have
not had access
to all the facts.
“Still other
parents are
concerned
that the lessons revealed in these reviews are not always put into
practice.”
The Chief Coroner of England and Wales repeatedly called for
“proper consideration” on whether coroners should be given the
power to investigate stillbirths or not.
The consultation has been launched in conjunction with the
Department of Health and Social Care and a bill developed by the
government has reached the stage of Royal Assent.
Responses to the consultation are currently being called upon. The
consultation closes on 18 June 2019.
Aspen Chapel reopens
following £250,000
refurbishment
The chapel has now been brought up to par with the neighbouring
Rowan chapel
The Aspen Chapel at the North Devon Crematorium has been
reopened following the completion of a refurbishment project.
Work began in January to replace and refurbish every element of
the chapel, bringing it in line with the facilities in the Rowan chapel,
which was built in 2016.
The chapel, which has remained largely unchanged since it
opened over 50 years ago, has new windows, flooring, furniture,
technology and improved disabled access. Its original features,
such as the committal doors and catafalque, where the coffin is
placed have also been refurbished.
The Aspen chapel aims to offer mourners more intimate
surroundings for small services compared with the larger Rowan
chapel, with seating for up to 66 people. This upgrade includes the
capabilities if digitally downloaded music, video tribute facilities,
webcasting and recording as well as the option to have music
played by an organist.
Crematorium manager, Mark Drummond, said: “I am delighted
with the improved facilities and the way that some original features
have been retained whilst giving a completely fresh feel and look to
the chapel. The contractor, Westcountry Maintenance, met a tight
schedule whilst displaying great professionalism and sensitivity for
the site.
“The refurbishment of the original features was carried out to a
superb standard by local craftsmen, Francis Hookway and Simon
Westlake and beautiful stained glass panels were made by Stacey
Beaumont from Bude. The use
of South West based companies
was important to both North
Devon and Torridge Councils
who oversee the crematorium’s
operations.”
www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk