Laura Sharman 15 December 2021

Local councils oppose burial proposals

Local councils oppose burial proposals image

The Government's burial proposals could halve the cemetery space available and lead to the premature closure of many graveyards, local councils have warned.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has opposed some of the proposals outlined in Defra's consultation on changes to the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2016.ion

It accused Defra of failing to work with local government and burial authorities when framing this consultation, meaning regulatory changes are being made 'almost by stealth'.

NALC said it 'strongly disagreed' with proposals to increase the minimum grave size to five metres squared and retain a one-metre minimum clearance between the base of a grave and the water table in a cemetery.

Its response said:' This proposal would have a huge impact on many local council cemeteries. This proposal would also question the viability of purchasing new cemetery ground with fewer burial plots per hectare. Local councils would also need to increase burial charges to cover the grounds maintenance which many of them try to keep to a minimum for local residents.'

Defra said the proposed conditions will not apply to existing grave plots or grave plots that have already been reserved. The consultation will close on 22nd December 2021.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner