MP and council boss clash over Legacy charge claim

A row has broken out over claims families involved in an investigation into a Hull funeral home will be asked to pay for their loved ones' names to be included on two memorials.

Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy posted on social media that she had been contacted by an "upset constituent" connected to the probe into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

In a joint statement, Hull and East Riding councils said they "categorically confirm" there will be no charge for a named plaque.

Humberside Police began an inquiry into Legacy in March 2024 following a report of "concern for care of the deceased". Robert Bush, 47, was later charged with 64 offences and is due to appear in court in June.

Under the proposal, a memorial garden at Chanterlands Avenue Crematorium in Hull, next to the Northern Cemetery, will hold recovered ashes. A second garden will be built at Lelley Fields Crematorium, near Preston, East Yorkshire.

In a letter to Hull City Council, Hardy claimed she had been contacted by a family who informed her the council had suggested charging for named plaques in any memorial development.

The MP said she found the proposal "inappropriate" and was "extremely disappointed" by the situation.

A consultation, sent to affected families and seen by the BBC, asked if they would be interested in "an option to purchase an affordable named plaque". The BBC understands the idea was scrapped after the consultation closed.

Hull's Lib Dem council leader Mike Ross responded to Hardy's social media post and stated: "There is no intention to charge relatives in this way and I can confirm there never was."

Ross also criticised the Labour MP for "trying to make political points on the back of a tragedy" and said he "would expect better".

Hardy has also questioned whether up to £2m government funding, which was awarded to both Hull and East Riding councils, could be used to cover the costs.

In April 2024, both authorities said the money would "assist with additional costs incurred as part of our response".

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that the £2m was pledged by the government "specifically for exceptional costs directly arising from the immediate local response".

The BBC submitted a Freedom of Information request in July to both authorities asking for the breakdown of costs accrued in response to the investigation and how much had come from the £2m pledged by government.

The councils said they were unable to provide that information as it "continued to support the longer-term recovery", but said such figures would be made available "in a transparent manner" at a later date.

Mr Bush is due to appear before Hull Magistrates' Court on 25 June.

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