York Council stands by funeral mourners ban despite plea from families

Despite concerns from bereaved families and York Central MP Rachael Maskell, the council refused to backtrack, saying the measure is essential to protect the public, funeral directors and bereavement services staff, and is in line with the advice given by public health authorities.

The family of a man whose funeral they can no longer attend told the Yorkshire Post they are “heartbroken”.

Colin Dean died last weekend but his wife Marie, and children Louise and Barry, were told by City of York Council they would be unable to attend his funeral due to new rules which aimed to stop the spread of coronavirus and banned mourners from the crematoria.

Kelsey Dobson, Mr Dean’s niece, said: “His wife, Marie Dean, and children Louise Barker and Barry Dean are currently being told they cannot attend Colin's funeral to say their final goodbyes after a very sudden and unexpected loss - they are absolutely heartbroken.”

The council said last week that it was following other local authorities and stopping all funeral services at cremations – a move which York Central MP Rachael Maskell said “was a step too far” and a possible breach of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

In Leeds, Bradford, and Kirklees, new bookings for funerals are not being taken, with “direct cremations”, in which there is no ceremony and mourners are not present taking their place.

The council said the government was satisfied with the new rules.

Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: "We fully recognise the impact that this decision will have on bereaved families but ultimately, it has been taken to protect everyone concerned, including families and their loved ones.

“With confirmation of these arrangements and how they will be implemented, we hope that moving forward, they will bring some much needed comfort to grieving families at what is an exceptionally difficult time for them. I know that our teams will continue to do all that they can to meet the needs of families.

“This exceptional decision has been taken to limit the spread of coronavirus and therefore, protect the public, the city’s funeral directors and our bereavement services staff. We have a very small skilled team at the crematorium and if they became infected, we would have a further public health risk in not being able to undertake cremations at all. These changes are in line with a number of other local authorities who have taken the same action, in some cases earlier, during this crisis.”

Ian Floyd, interim head of paid services of City of York Council, said: “My thoughts and condolences are with every family during this unprecedented time. We have taken this decision to protect all concerned, including you and your loved ones. We are continuing to work with funeral directors in the city to ensure that the wishes of families and their loved ones are met.

“It is important to reiterate that the Government have not intervened on this issue and that they have confirmed they are content with the arrangements announced on Saturday.”

Once the restrictions have lifted, the council will ensure that services of remembrance at York Crematorium will be offered to all families and a city wide multifaith remembrance ceremony will be held, supported by local faith leaders and the council.