Sheffield Council increases number of people allowed at funerals

Twenty-five people will now be able to attend services in person, the local authority confirmed. The number applies to both chapel and graveside services at all of the council’s funeral sites.

As well as increasing the number of mourners, other bereavement services have also resumed, including the burial of ashes, scattering of ashes and burial services in chapels.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield Council, said: “Bereavement is a very difficult time under any circumstances and I know that the safety measures have made this even more so.

“I hope these changes will bring some comfort to those who are grieving and are not able to mourn in the traditional way."

Mourners attending a funeral service can be from different households, but where this is the case the two-metre social distance rule must be adhered to.

For those who are unable to attend in person, Hutcliffe Wood and City Road chapels continue to offer a live webcast of funeral services free of charge.

Cllr Lea said the changes will be kept under review.

She added: “We extend condolences to all bereaved families in Sheffield who have suffered the loss of a loved one during this extraordinary period, and sincere thanks for adhering to the measures we unfortunately had to put in place.”