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In the summary of its Provisional Decision Report, released this morning (13 August 2020) the NAFD is pleased to see that the Competition and Markets Authority has reflected on the evidence, provided in July by the NAFD, on the profound and enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the funeral sector and concluded that it is not possible to accurately assess the need or nature of price regulation in the sector at the current time.

It is extremely disappointing, though, that the funeral sector’s significant contribution to the COVID-19 response – supporting the Government as key workers in caring for deceased and bereaved people, with compassion and professionalism, under extremely difficult circumstances – was not noted. This is a sector that stepped up and was not overwhelmed, as was seen in some other countries – and this should be recognised.

We note the CMA’s intention to monitor pricing and competition in the sector over the next few years. However it is important that a holistic picture is built of the value and importance of funeral services to bereaved people, not solely the price paid.

While we still need to read the detail of the full Provisional Decision Report, in principle we share the CMA’s desire to ensure transparency of communication, high standards and quality regulation as we believe this to be in the best interests of both consumers and funeral directors. The work we have already undertaken to develop an online price comparison portal, build a robust new Code of Practice and collaborate with the wider sector, through the FSCSR, to develop a common set of standards for inspections and quality monitoring, means the NAFD is ready and able to assist the CMA in this work. Indeed the NAFD’s existing proposal for an arms-length body to monitor standards in the profession, which we have already shared with the CMA, is designed to meet the independence criteria sought by the CMA and could provide a straightforward option for Government to achieve this desired outcome.

We also support, in principle, the registration of all funeral directors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are pleased to see this is pegged to training and education requirements to ensure that registered funeral firms have suitably trained, qualified and experienced members of staff to provide high standards of care