England Running Out of Space to Bury Dead, Proposes Opening Graves and Reusing Them

England's Law Commission has proposed reusing graves and reopening closed burial sites to address its shortage of space for burying the deceased.

As urban areas across Wales and England run out of spaces for graveyards, the new regulation proposal aims to update burial laws that have been in place for more than 170 years.

The proposed changes would allow graves that have been closed for at least 75 years to be reused for new burials, and would require government approval and public consultation.

Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law, said the proposals could provide "a significant opportunity to reform burial and cremation law and secure burial space for future generations," according to The Independent.

The public is open to weigh in on the proposed changes until January 2025.