Lincoln Crematorium undergoes ‘urgent’ FBCA inspection

The City of Lincoln Council has commissioned an “urgent” inspection of Lincoln Crematorium by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA), which is in progress. 

It comes as staff at Lincoln Crematorium have reported six incidents where they believe some co-workers have not dealt with the burial of ashes in accordance with the wishes of the deceased’s families. 

As a result, the council has also involved Lincolnshire Police, which has launched an investigation into one of these cases. 

Angela Andrews, chief executive of City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am shocked and distraught to confirm that a small number of families did not receive the level of care and service they and their loved ones deserved, and rightly expected, in relation to the burial of their loved ones’ ashes. They were let down at a time when they needed the high level of dedication and professionalism that our crematorium team has always been proud to provide. 

“I have personally visited or spoken to the six families identified as being directly affected by this situation, to work out how we can best help them through this difficult time and to offer our deepest apologies. I have been humbled by the responses I received from these families, and we are working with them to agree on lasting tributes to their loved ones.”

She added: “While a police investigation is ongoing, it is not possible for me to say any more. We will also be conducting a full internal review into the crematorium’s processes and procedures and will provide a further update on this in due course. I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to all those affected by what has happened.”  

Andrews maintained that there is no evidence of any other families being affected, other than the families affected by the situation. 

All those identified as having been directly affected have also been contacted by the council.