York council ban on mourners at funerals could be against human rights, MP Rachael Maskell claims

York Central MP Rachael Maskell said the City of York Council’s move to stop all funeral services “was a step too far” and a possible breach of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

The council has told grieving relatives that, from Thursday, April 9, there will be no funeral services in the city, just “direct cremations only”.

On its website, the council said: “There are no exceptions to this.”

Councils in Leeds, Kirklees, and Bradford have introduced similar restrictions.

Ms Maskell said she has raised concerns with the council and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick.

She said she has been contacted by many distraught families in York.

The Labour MP said the council has “stepped way beyond” the Government’s guidance which allows funerals to continue with social distancing measures in place.

Ms Maskell said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone, but when crowds are still in our supermarkets and working in warehouses across the city, to stop close family members being able to say goodbye to a child, a parent or partner is completely insensitive and deeply damaging.

“Funerals provide an important role in the grieving process, and to be denied such an opportunity will cause lasting pain for families.

“At this time some people are unable to be with close family members as they die, and then not being able to be with them at their funeral is a step too far.

“Constituents have shared their heartache over this decision by the council, a council who could institute safe funeral distancing measures as other councils are, like North Yorkshire which are enabling funerals to go ahead with 10 family members while observing safe social distancing as set out in the Government guidance.

“York must immediately revert to this too.”

An online petition has been launched on the issue by Kelsy Dobson, who uncle Colin Dean died over the weekend. His death was unrelated to coronavirus.

Ms Dobson said Mr Dean had served for 16 years in 1st Battalion The King's Regimental Band and two years in the Green Howards.

And now his widow Marie Dean, and children Louise Barker and Barry Dean, would not be able to attend his funeral. Ms Dobson said after "a very sudden and unexpected loss, they are absolutely heartbroken".

Her petition has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health for City of York Council, said: "I understand how difficult this decision will be for many people and the pain it may add to the loss of a loved one and my heart goes out to anyone who is affected by it.

"Our utmost priority is that we protect people from the spread of coronavirus where it is possible to do so and to ensure that the health of those we work with, the public, council staff, funeral directors and other partners are protected.

"Since the decision was announced, we have had further discussions with funeral directors and faith leaders and agreed with them that we will allow one celebrant or minister to perform a short service that will be filmed free of charge. We hope this will provide some comfort to those who are affected during these difficult times.

"We will continue to keep this decision under review and will be closely monitoring national guidance.”

The latest government advice, issued on March 31, says that only members of the deceased’s own household should attend funerals or, if there is no family, a “modest number of friends”.

It says that mourners should keep two metres apart and individuals who have symptoms of coronavirus should not take part in rituals or religious gatherings

A Local Government Association spokesman said: “Councils are continuing to hold funerals in accordance with the latest government guidance and are making specific arrangements on a local basis to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.

“Councils aim to ensure that immediate family are able to say goodbye to their loved ones but that staff and mourners are safe, especially at a time when there may be increasing pressures on funeral services.

“We are seeking further guidance on funeral services from central government.”

Bradford council previously said the decision to end services had been "very difficult", but Councillor Sarah Ferriby said: "Our first consideration is that we have to protect people from this virus to ensure that the health and wellbeing of those that we work with, the public, council staff, partners, and stakeholders is protected.

She said: "These are unprecedented times. I never thought that we would have to make the sad decisions which we are having to make in terms of the services we provide."

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said they hoped "providing the opportunity for a vicar or celebrant to say a prayer or a few words in the chapel will bring some comfort to families and loved ones".