Overview

The Bishop's Stortford Cemetery Act 2024 grants Bishop's Stortford Town Council the power to manage space in the Old and New Cemeteries by extinguishing old burial rights, disturbing remains in certain circumstances, and dealing with memorials. This is to increase burial space.

Description

The Act allows the council to extinguish burial rights in graves where no burial has occurred for 75 years or more. Exceptions apply to graves granted rights after the Act's passing and those with objections from registered owners, requiring Secretary of State consent for other objections. Compensation is payable to registered owners. The Act also permits the disturbance of human remains after 75 years in certain graves (those with extinguished or expired rights, or public graves), requiring reinterment within the cemetery. Objections from registered owners or relatives can delay or prevent disturbance. Commonwealth war graves and memorials are protected, requiring the Commission's agreement before any action. The council must give sufficient notice of its intentions, including publication in a newspaper and online.

Memorials

Memorials removed by the council remain the property of their owner, with a six-month claim period; otherwise, the council may reuse or dispose of them.

Records

The council must keep records of disturbed remains and removed memorials, making them available for public consultation.

Government Spending

The Act does not directly impact UK government spending beyond potential arbitration costs for compensation claims, which are the responsibility of the Bishop's Stortford Town Council. The total cost of the Act itself is listed as £8.14.

Groups Affected

• Bishop's Stortford Town Council: Granted powers to manage cemetery space.
• Registered owners of burial rights: May face extinguishment of their rights after 75 years, with potential compensation.
• Relatives of the deceased: May object to the disturbance of human remains.
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission: Has oversight on Commonwealth war graves and memorials.
• Owners of memorials: Their memorials may be removed.
• Secretary of State: Acts as an appeals body for certain objections.

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