Inspections and other measures will promote the highest standards
of care and increase public confidence in the funeral sector
under draft regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament.
The Burial and Cremation (Inspection) (Scotland) Regulations
2025, if approved, will ensure minimum standards are maintained
to safeguard the dignity of the deceased and promote
compassionate and professional care for the bereaved.
Inspectors will support any non-compliant business to make the
changes needed but can issue enforcement notices with reasonable
deadlines for action if necessary.
Public Health Minister said:
“Bereavement can be emotionally overwhelming and being able to
engage with the practical issues and funeral arrangements can be
very difficult. It is, however, something everyone is likely to
experience at some stage in their life, whether it's the death of
a family member, a loved one, or a friend.
“The vast majority of funeral directors and the wider industry
provide dignified and professional services, and these reforms
will benefit the sector by ensuring it is not unfairly impacted
by the failings of a few.
“These reforms have received widespread support within the
industry and we will appoint additional inspectors to work with
the sector to ensure best practice. Publishing inspection reports
will lead to greater transparency and can help improve standards.
“Having confidence in the care and dignity given to our loved
ones, along with the compassionate and professional treatment of
those bereaved, can go some way to alleviating the sorrow of
bereavement.”
Background
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is expected to
consider the draft Burial and Cremation (Inspection) (Scotland)
Regulations 2025.
Cremation authorities have been inspected since 2019 when the
Cremation (Scotland) Regulations came into force. Inspections of
funeral directors and burial authorities will become statutory
from 1 March 2025 - the same date the Funeral Director Code
of Practice and new burial regulations come into force.
Separate regulations also laid on Thursday 14 November 2024 cover
management of burial grounds, the creation of statutory burial
application forms and updated registers of burial.
