The UK government is considering plans to reuse old graves and reopen closed burial grounds in an effort to address the growing shortage of burial space, especially in urban areas. The Law Commission, an independent body responsible for reviewing laws in England and Wales, has put forward proposals to make use of graveyards declared “full” during the Victorian era.
The proposed changes would allow any burial ground to reuse graves, but only after public consultation and government approval. Strict safeguards would be implemented, with graves eligible for repurpose only if the last burial took place at least 75 years ago.
Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family, and Trust Law, emphasized the need for public support, stating, “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.”
The government has expressed interest in the Law Commission’s work. Alex Davies-Jones, parliamentary under-secretary at the Ministry of Justice, said, “We await with interest the Law Commission’s recommendations on the most appropriate framework for modern, consistent regulation for burial and cremation.”
Public consultation on the proposed changes is open until January 2025, allowing for public input on the sensitive issue.
