Gov to remove 30 mourner limit as early as 17 May

The government has revealed that the legal limit on numbers of mourners at funerals will be removed in England following its move into step three of its roadmap out of lockdown on 17 May 2021.

The existing legal limit of 30 mourners will be disbanded as part of step three of the roadmap and instead the number of people who can attend a funeral will be determined by how many people the venues can safely accommodate whilst practicing social distancing.

This includes both indoor and outdoor venues, however capacities of venues will vary, but overall many will allow more than 30 people to attend.

Robert Jenric, communities secretary, said: “The British people have made huge sacrifices throughout the pandemic to protect the NHS and save lives, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the deeply painful restrictions on the numbers attending funerals.

“Losing a loved one has been incredibly hard during the pandemic and I am pleased we are now in a position, thanks to everyone’s continued efforts and the rollout of the vaccine, to remove these limits and allow more friends and family to come together and pay their respects.”

He added: “I look forward to working with faith leaders responsible for places of worship, and those who manage venues such as funeral homes, to introduce the new arrangements in a way that continues to keep people safe.”