From 25 March anyone registering a death will have to make an appointment at one of Dorset Council’s registration offices.

During the pandemic deaths were allowed to be registered by telephone, but with the ending of the emergency legislation in the Coronavirus Act, this is no longer allowed.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “We know that the service our registrars have been giving over the phone has been appreciated over the last two years. We are waiting for the Government to issue new laws covering death registration to enable this to continue.

“In the meantime, we will try to keep the service as safe as possible. There are a couple of small offices that cannot be opened safely, and we are asking that no more than two people attend the registration appointment. We are still encouraging people to wear face masks when visiting our offices, helping to protect themselves and our teams, to help us continue this service.”

Medical certificates of cause of death will continue to be sent to the registration service electronically. An appointment can then be booked. A death certificate will be issued at the appointment.

More details about deaths, funerals and cremations can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages/deaths-funerals-and-cremations