Public embrace a grave solution
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two-thirds of people would not be opposed to the reuse of graves to tackle the growing problem of a shortage of burial space, according to research published yesterday.
A pounds 75,000 study for the Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration found that as long as a period of time - perhaps 75 or 100 years - was allowed to elapse, then a majority would not object.
The finding was welcomed by burial and cremation officials who had feared that public sensitivities would stand in the way of a "sensible solution" to the problem, which has already left three London boroughs without any burial space in existing cemeteries. Ian Hussein, the institute's national secretary, said: "It isn't just about running out of space. Many authorities can find land elsewhere, but people don't want to travel further. They want to be able to visit the grave."
The research, carried out by the University of York's Cemetery Research Group, was presented yesterday to 250 delegates who work in cemeteries and crematoria at the institute's annual conference in Swansea.
About 1,600 people in London, Nottingham, Glasgow and Sunderland had been asked for their opinion. Graves would be opened up with families' permission or only when they had been left for a long time. Remaining bones would be placed in caskets and reinterred further down, freeing the space above for other burials. A Home Office licence is required before bones are disturbed.
The institute's "corporate arm", the Confederation of Burial Authorities, will now prepare a policy paper to present to the Government.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments