Consultation on changes to burial law published

The government is seeking views from the public, faith groups and other interested parties on how best to manage burial grounds in the future.

A new consultation paper on maintenance of burial grounds, exhumation and the possible re-use of old burial grounds, has been published. Responses from the consultation will feed into a review of burial law already underway.

Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said the issue deserved an "informed debate".

"The public must have a realistic choice in the funeral arrangements for their relatives and cemeteries must be well managed and accessible. The services provided by burial and cremation authorities should be professional, caring and sensitive to serve the needs of the community," he said.

"But we want to ensure that any change - in particular with regards to the re-use of graves - is acceptable. I hope that members of the public will take this opportunity to have their say in how they would like this reform to develop."

The consultation period will end on 13 July 2004.

(gmcg)