Crackdown on 'cowboy' undertakers urged as rogue firms exploit grieving relatives

Funeral directors should be licensed to crack down on “cowboy” firms exploiting grieving relatives, SNP ministers have been told.

Natalie McKail, Scotland’s outgoing inspector of funeral directors, has called for the first state accreditation scheme to offer greater protections.

Currently, anyone can set up as a funeral director without qualifications – sparking fears of rogue firms offering substandard services.

McKail has urged the Scottish Government to bring forward legislation within 15 months to ensure industry members meet “an agreed quality standard”.

Natalie McKail, Scotland’s outgoing inspector of funeral directors, has called for a state accreditation scheme (UGC)

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “In her 2017/18 annual report, the inspector of funeral directors reported a variation in standards among funeral directors’ practices and procedures.

“Introducing regulation will ensure bereaved families have peace of mind, whichever business they choose.

“That is why we are consulting on the Funeral Director: Code of Practice that will in future form an important part of the wider regulatory framework for funeral directors.”