‘Death services delays’ criticised

THE bodies of deceased people in Birmingham were not being released in time for families to properly observe cultural and religious traditions, writes Kate Knowles.

There were also delays in the registration processes for births and deaths, as well as concerns that council cemeteries did not adequately cater for the needs of different religions.

Furthermore, it has been alleged that bereaved families were being told to stop calling the coroner’s office because staff were “too busy”.

The city council voted to address the issue with an amendment by Labour, but Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors criticised the party’s approach.

Lib Dem councillor Ayoub Khan tabled a motion for debate, seconded by councillor Zaker Choudry.

Khan urged the council to set out actions it would take to eliminate delays and to acquire an autopsy scanner for the city, to allow for faster and non-invasive autopsies. He also called for an urgent scrutiny review to examine the reasons for delays and the facilities at council cemeteries.

Addressing the council chamber, Khan told how Muslim communities were distressed at being unable to perform burial rites according to their religion. According to Islam, Muslims should be buried as soon as possible after death.

He said: “Services as they are are simply unacceptable. Families are calling the coroner’s office to be told ‘please don’t call us. We are too busy. Your calls delay us.’”

Choudry, who represents South Yardley ward, added there were insufficient facilities at cemeteries in the city for Muslims to wash before praying at funerals.

Wudu is a ritual of purification involving washing parts of the body, including the hands and face. It is performed by Muslims prior to praying and without it, the prayers are considered invalid.

Choudry also pointed out that cemeteries did not have adequate toilet facilities for disabled people.

Labour councillor John Cotton proposed an amendment to the motion, which noted that the delays were due to post-Covid changes in registration processes and in GP practices. The changes impacted on the issuing of medical certificates for cause of death, leading to coroner referrals doubling overnight. He also cited the 6,000-strong backlog of birth registrations, which were put on hold during the pandemic.