The UK is exploring plans to reuse old graves and reopen closed burial grounds in a bid to tackle the growing shortage of burial space, particularly in urban areas, Sky News reports.
These proposals, put forward by the Law Commission, aim to repurpose graveyards that were declared “full” during the Victorian era.
The independent commission, which reviews laws in England and Wales, highlighted the urgency of the situation as cities across the country face a dwindling supply of burial plots.
Under the new proposals, any burial ground could potentially be reused, but this would only be allowed after public consultations and with government approval.
According to Sky News, strict guidelines would ensure that graves can only be reused if the last burial took place at least 75 years ago.
Another public consultation is underway to discuss the specific timeframes for grave reuse and how to handle objections from family members.
Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family, and Trust Law, emphasised that the proposed changes would require careful consideration and input from the public.
“Our proposals provide a significant opportunity to reform burial and cremation law and secure burial space for future generations.
“This must be done sensitively and with wider public support,” he said.
Current laws prohibit the redevelopment of graveyards for any purpose, except if the land is being used to expand or build a place of worship.
Public cemeteries, however, can be repurposed if the owner is granted an Act of Parliament.
Parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Justice, Alex Davies-Jones, expressed the government’s support for the Law Commission’s efforts, saying, “We await with interest the Law Commission’s recommendations, in due course, on the most appropriate framework to provide modern, consistent regulation for burial and cremation.”
The public consultation on these proposals is open until January 2025.
