Bill to modernise the Scottish burial and cremation sector ‘lacks ambition’

Plans to create a modern burial and cremation sector in Scotland have been branded as lacking ‘detail and ambition’, according to a report by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee.

The report highlights key policy areas which remain to be developed and an update to the legislative framework which dates back over 100 years.

Committee Convener, Kevin Stewart MSP said: “Whilst there is no doubt Scotland needs a modern framework for burial and cremation in Scotland which is fit for the twenty-first century, it is clear the Bill before us leaves some questions unanswered.”

“Without sufficient detail it is difficult to properly scrutinise the modernisation proposals. This has an impact on the level of scrutiny and public engagement we can undertake for what is an important piece of legislation which will affect us all.”

“We are concerned the offences in the Bill lack any explanation of what behaviour is to be criminalised. This is why we have asked the Scottish Government to provide more detail in advance of the Bill proceeding.”