UK Considers Reusing Old Graves to Address Burial Space Shortage

United Kingdom – The UK is contemplating plans to repurpose old graves and reopen closed burial grounds as a solution to the increasing shortage of burial space, especially in urban areas, according to a report from Sky News.

These proposals have been put forth by the Law Commission, which is an independent body that reviews legal matters in England and Wales. The Commission stressed the urgency of the issue, noting that many cities across the nation are running out of burial plots.

Under the new guidelines, previously closed burial grounds—which were declared “full” as far back as the Victorian era—could be reopened for new use. However, any such actions would require public consultations and must receive government approval.

UK Rules Guiding Reusing Graves

Sky News reports that rigorous guidelines would stipulate that graves can only be reused if no burials have occurred in them for at least 75 years. Another public consultation is currently in progress to examine the appropriate timeframes for grave reuse and the process for addressing objections from family members of the deceased.

Professor Nick Hopkins, who serves as the Commissioner for Property, Family, and Trust Law, emphasized the importance of thoughtful consideration and community input in this matter. “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 stated.

Currently, laws prevent the redevelopment of burial sites for any purpose, aside from expansions or constructions related to places of worship. However, public cemeteries can be repurposed if the owner obtains an Act of Parliament.

Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, has expressed government backing for the Law Commission’s initiatives. She remarked, “We await with interest the Law Commission’s recommendations regarding the most suitable framework for modern and consistent regulations pertaining to burial and cremation.”

The public consultation on these proposed changes will remain open until January 2025.