Kirklees Council ban football shirts and children's toys from cremations

Jun 13 2009 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

But Kirklees Council goes on to argue that even natural fibre clothing could contain man-made dyes or fibres that will impact on emissions.

Tim Morris, chief executive of the ICCM, which created the charter, said: “It is a common-sense approach. Banning all clothing is a step too far.

“It seems to be an over-zealous reaction to compliance with the legislation.

“There will be incidents where emissions exceed the limit, but then there will be many that come under it.

“The coffin handles and plaques are made of plastic so what difference will a cotton nightdress make?”

He called for local authorities consider their emissions but to also help meet families half way at such a sensitive time.

The family has since complained to the council’s bereavement services.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Crematoria must maintain strict emission controls and it is because of this that Kirklees Council has a policy that bodies be dressed in approved garments such as cremation shrouds and that no artefacts are placed within the coffin.

“If a family wish to request a cremation in something other than a funeral shroud the funeral director needs to provide sufficient evidence that the proposed alternative was made completely of natural fibres.

“This policy is detailed on the form which must be signed by the family before the cremation can take place. The form in this case was signed and no objection raised with bereavement services until after the cremation had taken place.”