The UK is considering reusing old graves to address the shortage of burial space, with proposals under public consultation until January 2025.
The UK is considering reusing old graves and reopening closed burial grounds to address the shortage of burial space, especially in cities.
Proposals from the Law Commission suggest reusing graves last used at least 75 years ago, but this would only happen after public consultations and government approval. The public consultation on these plans runs until January 2025.
In response to a growing shortage of burial space, particularly in urban areas, the UK is exploring plans to reuse old graves and reopen closed burial grounds.
The proposals put forward by the Law Commission could see Victorian-era graveyards, once deemed “full,” being repurposed to accommodate future burials.
The Law Commission, an independent body that reviews laws in England and Wales, highlighted the pressing need to address the dwindling availability of burial plots in cities.
Their proposals suggest that any burial ground could potentially be reused, provided that the last burial took place at least 75 years ago and after extensive public consultations.
Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family, and Trust Law, stressed the importance of handling the matter sensitively.
He pointed out that reforming burial and cremation laws could secure burial space for future generations, but public support is crucial.
The proposals would require government approval and public consultations to ensure transparency, especially when dealing with objections from family members.
Currently, public cemeteries can only be repurposed if an Act of Parliament is granted, but these new measures could open up more options for addressing the shortage.
Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Justice, expressed the government’s support for these efforts, saying that they eagerly await the Law Commission’s recommendations for modern, consistent regulations.