Council increases numbers allowed to attend funerals from six to 16
Birmingham City Council has increased the number of mourners allowed to attend funerals from six to 16, following new Government guidance.
During the Covid-19 crisis, the authority has closely followed Government and Public Health guidance around social distancing measures.
With new guidance issued on May 28 that allows for more social interaction between different households, the council has reviewed its policies – including its approach to bereavement services and the number of people allowed at funerals.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods, said: "We fully understand the stress and anxiety caused by minimising the number of people allowed to attend the funeral of a loved one.
"Therefore, I am pleased to say that after fully reviewing our processes, we can now safely increase that number to 16.
"This is a first step in getting us back on track and allowing families to grieve in a way that they would wish.
"While we have increased the number of mourners, we are continuing to constantly review the situation.
"Should we see local restrictions introduced by Government, this may need to again change to reflect the measures needed to keep our residents safe.”
In addition, the opening hours of cemeteries and crematoria in Birmingham will also be reviewed – with a decision expected this week.
