The funeral firm at the centre of a police probe into alleged fraud and failing to properly lay loved ones to rest owes nearly £62,000 for unpaid bills, including cremation fees.
Humberside Police announced last week an extensive investigation was underway last into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after the force searched three addresses and took away 35 bodies, which have all now been identified.
More than 1,500 calls from people concerned about their loved ones’ remains had been received by Friday. Candles were lit and prayers were said today for the families of the deceased. A vigil was held at nearby St Martin’s Church.
Two people arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position, have been bailed.
Hull City Council was seeking to get back more than £51,000 from the firm before news of the investigation emerged.
It faces a race against time as on Tuesday
It was for failing to file its annual accounts up to April 2023 by January 5 and is the fifth such strike off warning it has received since January 2022.
A county court judgement in favour of the council was made for £51,508 in February 2023. It has six other unsatisfied CCJs to unknown creditors dating back to 2021, including one issued for more than £6,000 in January.
The firm also received a £40,000 Covid-19 business support grant in 2020.
A council spokeswoman said: “The debt in question relates to unpaid fees and charges in connection to the business, including cremation fees.
“We are currently exploring options to recoup any monies owed to the authority following the company’s compulsory strike-off notice, which was issued earlier this week.”
Express.co.uk called a mobile number linked to Legacy director Robert Bush, 46. Vicky Bush, 54, a former director of the firm, answered and said they did not wish to comment.
