Funeral Industry News

Supplementary Form For Cremation Applications – Temporary Change With Immediate Effect

April 3, 2020 by funeral-industry-news No Comments | Category COVID-19, Cremation authorities, Funeral directors

[Please also see this post from a September 17 update]

TEMPORARY CHANGE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT – APPLICATIONS FOR CREMATION

We are aware that many funeral directors and cremation authorities are experiencing difficulties in obtaining signatures from those applying for cremation due to following NHS Inform advice on social distancing and self-isolation in response to COVID-19.

In order to ensure that cremations can go ahead without delay, this downloadable supplementary form can be used by funeral directors when they are unable to obtain a signature from the applicant.

Download here: Supplementary Form For Cremation Applications – April 2020

Cremation authorities will still have the right to ask for additional information about the application, but should accept the supplementary form in place of a signature from the applicant.

It is not appropriate for funeral directors to sign the cremation forms.  The signature section should be left blank and the supplementary form should be completed.  Funeral directors should keep an audit trail that clearly shows the instructions on the application form are those of the applicant.

The supplementary form can start being used immediately. It has been shared directly with all cremation authorities and the Inspector of Cremation. Please email burialandcremation@gov.scot if you have any questions or concerns.

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