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Local Plans (Burial Space) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 8 of session 2026–27

Approximate read time: 10 minutes

Local authorities currently have the power to provide and maintain cemeteries. However, they are not legally required to provide burial space. This means that there may not be sufficient capacity, unless other providers such as the Church of England or private providers make burial space available 

Lord Mohammed has argued the current planning system does not ensure adequate space is made available for burial grounds. The bill would establish several new duties for local planning authority’s, including: 

• to establish provision for guaranteed burial group space when either preparing or reviewing their local plan 

• to conduct an assessment of the burial space needs in a particular area 

• to publish a long-term burial ground management plan 

It was introduced on 2 June 2026 and second reading is scheduled to take place in the House of Lords on 3 July 2026. There are no explanatory notes published for this bill. 

Photo by Michał Robak on pexels.