Bodies will be moved to free up old graves

Bodies will be exhumed to let burial plots be re-used under government plans revealed today.

The proposals to tackle a crisis in burial space would see bodies moved to deeper graves after 75 to 100 years.

Britain's cemeteries are increasingly full and relatives are being forced to consider graves far from their homes or cremation.

There is also to be consultation on how to improve the maintenance of graveyards, many of which have fallen into disrepair.

Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said a change in burial law was needed as it had developed "piecemeal" over the last 200 years.

Currently different rules on the upkeep of graves, and on exhumation, apply to churchyards, private cemeteries and council-run burial grounds.

"The public must have a realistic choice in funeral arrangements for their relatives, and cemeteries must be well managed and accessible," he said.

However, he added: "We want to ensure any change - in particular with regards to the reuse of graves - is acceptable."