P2-59 Response Under Consideration AI-assessed

Local authority contractor governance assurance

Recommendation

Local authorities must ensure that the providers they contract or enter into agreements with have robust governance processes in place to oversee the services they provide. This should include Standard Operating Procedures that protect the security and dignity of the deceased and audits to ensure staff compliance with them, as well as the reporting of incidents.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Government Interim Update (December 2025), as of December 2025, the government stated that the recommendation for local authorities to ensure third-party providers have robust governance processes, including Standard Operating Procedures and audits, was "Under consideration". According to the Government Interim Update (December 2025), the government also stated it was working on contractor assurance guidance. No specific guidance has been published, and the recommendation's status remains under review.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, questions-statements.parliament.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Under Consideration
Under Consideration Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
01 Dec 2025

This recommendation is under consideration.

Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Dec 2025

Under consideration. The government will continue to work on its response to the recommendations and provide a full response to the Fuller inquiry phase 2 report by summer 2026. (Source: Interim update on government progress in responding to the Fuller inquiry phase 2 report, December 2025)

Source
Inquiry Fuller Inquiry
Report Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 Report 15 Jul 2025
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Primary
Themes & Tags
Quality and safety oversight Staff policy awareness Assurance Contractors Governance Local Authority
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Last formal update 01 Dec 2025