Icelandic Ministry of Justice proposes bill to allow funeral homes to charge fees for body storage

The Icelandic Ministry of Justice plans to introduce a bill this winter that will allow funeral homes to charge fees for body storage. Currently, funeral homes lack official funding from the state for their operations and are prohibited from charging for services under existing laws. Fees have only been permitted for deceased individuals not registered in the national population register.

This forthcoming legislation aims to clarify the operational framework for funeral homes and provide them with the authority to set their own service charges. Ingvar Stefánsson, the director of the Reykjavik cemeteries, has expressed support for the announcement, highlighting a longstanding legal ambiguity surrounding funeral home operations.

He pointed out that there is currently no designated authority responsible for funeral homes in the country, which leaves cemeteries without financial support or the ability to impose fees. Ingvar emphasized that community support is crucial, questioning whether a moderate service fee should be collected or if a financial contribution should be provided.

Moreover, he underscored the need for necessary renovations at the Reykjavik funeral home, which has remained unchanged for 28 years and is now insufficient for current demands. He raised concerns that both the funeral home and the crematorium require updates to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays, given their limited capacity.

As discussions continue, the proposed bill seeks to bring clarity and better funding to funeral services in Iceland, addressing both operational needs and community expectations.