The Future of Funeral Industry in the UK Part 1

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Funeral Trends : Longer Waiting Times

The Future of Funeral Industry in the UK

The changes that we’ve seen within the funeral industry, regulation is one of them. We now have regulated funerals and regulated funeral plans. We have changes in the way death is treated in terms of registration. The way in which the hospitals treat the dead. You can’t say, someone dies of old age anymore. There has to be some medical reason for death, no matter how old the person.

So, I call this medicalisation of death. It’s done in layers of bureaucracy, where we are moving towards the medical referee system. So GPs will not be able, without direction from the medical referee, to issue cremation paperwork or issue any form of medical certificate for the cause of death. This is centralising things. And I have to say, despite the messages coming down from the Ministry of Justice, that it will speed things up, I disagree, and I think it is only going to slow things down.

30 years ago, you could have a cremation within ten days. You could have a burial within a week. We are now running at 2 to 3 weeks for a cremation; though you can still have a burial in ten days. But I think cremations will be getting out to four or five weeks before too much longer. Now, is that good?

Are You Looking For a Local funeral director near you in or in the Sevenoaks area?

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We have local funeral homes across west Kent and south east London.

Funeral Directors Sevenoaks

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
156 London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DJ

Tel: 01732 742400

https://welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Sevenoaks

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Our other funeral homes can be found:

Funeral Directors Swanley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/6cqrE4rVDUKqWJDC8

Funeral Directors Chislehurst & Bromley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
4 Belmont Parade, Green Ln, Chislehurst BR7 6AN

Tel: 020 8467 2222

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Bromley%20And%20Chislehurst

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Funeral Directors Borough Green

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
43 Western Rd, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 7AN

Tel: 01732 780600

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Borough%20Green

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Funeral Directors Tonbridge

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
164 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1BB

Tel: 01732 617171

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Tonbridge

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/q2hKSMfJypEper2A6

Funeral Directors Swanley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/6cqrE4rVDUKqWJDC8

Funeral Directors Tunbridge Wells

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
39 Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2JZ

Tel: 01892 300330

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/TunbridgeWells

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/g3zmhPebA3BhSPGG7

Funeral Directors Orpington & Chelsfield

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
9 Windsor Dr, Chelsfield, Orpington BR6 6EY

Tel: 01689 452525

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Orpington%20And%20Chelsfield

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03 Dec 2025

When should I register a death in the UK?

by Sharpminds Agency

Registering a death is one of the first legal steps that must be taken after someone passes away — but it can be difficult to know when, how, and where to do it. As experienced funeral directors serving West Kent and Southeast London, Welham Jones Funeral Directors are here to help guide you through what can feel like an overwhelming process at a very emotional time.

26 Nov 2025

My family lives far away – how can I involve them in my loved one’s funeral?

by Simon Welham

In 2025, we are – arguably – the most fluid we have ever been as a society; with hybrid working, self-employment, and digital nomads all seemingly inescapable buzzwords, it feels as though no-one is stuck to any single place. The world really is our oyster, but it is one that can easily become a bit slippery when faced with the task of planning a funeral. Here are our top tips on how to involve friends and family in your loved one’s funeral – no matter where they are.

19 Nov 2025

Do I need to name a funeral director when registering a death?

by Simon Welham

When registering a death, you may be asked who your funeral director is by the registrar. This is a question that often leaves many grieving families a bit stumped, particularly if the death has come as a shock. So, what should you reply? And what does your answer change about the funeral planning process?