A council's decision to stop all funeral services due to coronavirus is "a step too far" and a possible breach of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, an MP has said.

City of York Council has told grieving relatives that only "direct cremations" will be taking place, with mourners banned from attending.

"There will be no exceptions to this," the council's website says.

The Public Health England guidance to the Government on funerals published on 31 March 2020 states "with certain precautions funerals should continue to take place" It's now clear that @CityofYork are in breach of this guidance. I've asked York Council to overturn their decision. — Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) April 9, 2020

York Central MP Rachael Maskell said the council has "stepped way beyond" the government's guidance, which allows funerals to continue with social distancing measures in place.

She said she had been contacted by distraught families and had raised her concerns with the council and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick.


"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," the Labour MP said.

"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."

Family hold a 'virtual funeral'

York Council said it had taken a difficult decision but it was not the only authority to do this, with Leeds and Bradford following the same policy.

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."

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A Local Government Association spokesman said it was "seeking further guidance on funeral services from central government".

Public Health England guidance states that mourners must keep two metres apart at funerals and only members of the same household or close family should attend.

PHE has also told people to avoid "close contact" with the body of anyone who has died with symptoms of COVID-19 as there is a "real risk" of transmission.