Response to proposals to changes of Cremation Regulations
The Coroners, Burials, Cremations and Inquiries Policy Team has published a response to its Consultation on cremation following recent inquiries into infant cremations’.
The response follows the Government’s consultation on proposals for a number of changes to the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 and non-legislative changes to improve practices surrounding infant cremations.
The policy team said: “We are very grateful for the 83 responses we received to the consultation from a range of individuals and organisations including local authorities, cremation authorities, bereaved parents, hospitals, voluntary organisations, faith groups and representative associations for cremation authorities and funeral directors.
“The response document summarises respondents’ views and sets out our intention to:
- “Create a statutory definition of ‘ashes’.
- “Amend statutory cremation application forms to make the applicant’s wishes in relation to ashes that are recovered explicit and ensure that there is a record of their decision.
- “Bring the cremation of foetuses of less than 24 weeks’ gestation within the scope of regulation for parents who choose cremation (rather than burial or sensitive incineration).
- “Establish a national working group of cremation experts to advise us on: the detail of new regulations and statutory application forms;
- “the regulation of cremations of foetuses of less than 24 weeks’ gestation;
- “codes of practice and training for crematorium staff;
- “information for bereaved parents; and
- “whether there should be an inspector of crematoria.”
To view the complete response document and impact assessment of the proposals go to the consultation web page: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/consultation-on-cremation.