Growing urban populations, full cemeteries, and a persisting demand for traditional burial has led to a shortage of burial plots in the UK. According to experts, space for burial may run out in as soon as 20 years.

The shortage may worry those who wish to have a traditional burial when they die. Many people wish to be buried either due to their personal preference or cultural norms. Traditional in-ground burial has been a leading method of interment in the UK for centuries so it is only natural that many people would opt for burial over increasingly popular alternatives like cremation.

In this guide to the burial plot shortage we will look at:

• Is the UK running out of burial space?

• How will the burial plot shortage affect people?

• What is causing the burial plot shortage?

• Solutions to the burial plot shortage.

• Alternatives to burial in the UK.

Is the UK running out of burial space?

According to a 2011 audit of London Burial Provision, many London councils reported burial plot shortages. However, the space shortage is not only an urban issue as small rural councils like Bicester reported they were quickly running out of space.

Another survey carried out by the BBC in 2013 revealed that about a quarter of local councils in England said they would run out of burial space within the next ten years (by 2023). In the 2013 survey around 44% of councils said they would run out of space in the next 20 years (by 2033), while many councils such as Tandridge in South East England reported that they had already run out of burial space.

How will people be affected by the shortage of burial space?

As more local cemeteries are becoming full, bereaved families are being told that they may have to bury their loved ones in a neighbouring council.

Some people have had to buy burial plots outside their home towns and far away from their families. This would make visiting a loved one’s grave difficult, and some people may find it upsetting to be buried separately from their loved ones.

What is causing the burial plot shortage in the UK?

Scarcity of space is not the only reason for the burial plot shortage, which can be attributed to a combination of social, cultural, legal and economic factors.

1. Growing urban populations.

Cities are densely populated areas with limited land available for cemeteries. Some big cities may already have run out of burial space.

2. Rural development.

As smaller towns see more property development - such as Bicester which is forecasted to double in size in the next few years - small council cemeteries will see a shortage of space.

3. Rise in the death rate.

There is estimated to be an additional 100,000 deaths per year by 2030 as the baby boomer generation enters their twilight years.

4. Full existing cemeteries.

According to the London Burial Provision audit, many cemeteries in London are already full. Some cemeteries have had to dig up car parks and paths to create more space, and others have added topsoil to increase plot depth.

5. Preference for burial over cremation.

To keep in accordance with their religious beliefs, some communities like Buddhists and Muslims overwhelmingly prefer burial over other forms of interment. Some people may also wish to be buried to keep with family traditions, and some families have even been buried in the same cemetery for generations.

6. People wish to bury ashes.

Although around 75% of people in the UK are opting for cremation, many people still wish to bury ashes. The burial of ashes takes up space in cemeteries and mausoleums, possibly contributing to the space shortage.

7. There are strict laws pertaining to grave reuse.

In the UK graves can only be reused or moved with a special act of parliament. It is also illegal to disturb a grave under current laws. However, some cemeteries have petitioned parliament for the right to reuse old graves and Church of England cemeteries are allowed to reuse old graves.

Possible solutions to the burial plot shortage.

1. Buy your burial plot in advance.

It is possible to buy your burial plot in advance in the UK. You simply have to contact your local cemetery and they will assist you through the process. Keep in mind that plots are not sold, they are leased for a period of time (normally between 25-100 years, depending on the cemetery).

2. Re-using old graves.

The Law Commission - an independent body which reviews legislation in England and Wales - is proposing changes to UK burial laws which could allow old graves to be re-used. The new law would allow graves which have not had someone buried in them for 75 years to be eligible for reuse. This could result in closed cemeteries being reopened.

3. Building new cemeteries.

While it is possible to simply build new cemeteries for burial there are some drawbacks to this suggestion. Building and planning new cemeteries requires large areas of land and can become costly.

4. Above ground and vertical burial.

Some cemeteries around the world have introduced above ground burial options to maximise space. These are multi-tiered structures built above ground. However, building could be too costly for councils.

Vertical or “upright” burial has emerged in Australia as an option to save burial space, where individuals are buried “standing” upright using specialised machinery.

Alternatives to traditional burial in the UK

As the UK’s burial plot shortage seems inevitable, there are alternative options available that you may wish to consider.

1. Cremation

Cremation is the most popular form of interment in the UK, with direct cremation gaining popularity in recent years. Choosing to be cremated instead of buried may be the best option for those who do not want to use up scarce burial space when they die. Those who opt for cremation can also choose to scatter their ashes rather than bury them in a cemetery, or go for one of these unconventional ways to scatter ashes.

2. Water cremation

Water cremation or resomation is a new eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Water, heat and an alkaline solution break down the body in a way that is similar to natural decomposition. Water cremation/alkaline hydrolysis is not yet legal in the UK, but the Law Commission has put forth a proposal to approve water cremation as a legal form of burial. This means that water cremation could become a legal method of interment in the UK in a few years.

3. Eco or green funerals

Eco funerals are a great option for those who wish to have an environmentally conscious funeral that minimally disrupts the natural environment. In a green funeral people may be buried in a woodland, meadow, or conservation burial ground with minimal or biodegradable materials.

We hope our guide to the UK’s burial plot shortage helped you navigate your personal funeral choices and options available to you. The Farewell Guide aims to inform and support you and your loved ones as you plan your funeral and end of life wishes.

The Farewell Guide believes that every individual has the right to choose the end of life journey that most fittingly celebrates their life.

Try our free funeral planning tool now and create the funeral you truly want.
 

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