By Rachael Grealish

The limit on funeral mourners is to be scrapped at the next step of the roadmap.

It was confirmed today, Monday May 3, by the Government the legal limit of 30 mourners will be removed as part of Step 3 of the Prime Minister’s roadmap, to take place from 17 May at the earliest.

Venues will be allowed to set their own limits on how many people can attend while maintaining ‘one metre plus’ social distancing rules.

Originally, the funerals numerical limit wasn’t due to be scrapped until June 21 – when step 4 of the roadmap comes into effect.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, said: “The British people have made huge sacrifices throughout the pandemic to protect the NHS and save lives, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the deeply painful restrictions on the numbers attending funerals.

“Losing a loved one has been incredibly hard during the pandemic and I am pleased we are now in a position, thanks to everyone’s continued efforts and the rollout of the vaccine, to remove these limits and allow more friends and family to come together and pay their respects.

“I look forward to working with faith leaders responsible for places of worship, and those who manage venues such as funeral homes, to introduce the new arrangements in a way that continues to keep people safe.”

As long as the data continues its downward trend, Step 3 of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown is scheduled to take effect from May 17.

From this date pubs, cafes and restaurants will be able to provide service to customers indoors, gyms will be able to run classes and cinemas and theatres will be able to reopen.