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Changes to crematoria and cemeteries

Published: Thursday, 13th May 2021

As of Monday 17 May, in line with the governments road map, changes are being made to the rules governing crematoria and cemeteries.

There will be no limit for outdoor funerals and up to 30 people can now attend a wake or other commemorative event. However, services in chapels will continue to be limited due to social distancing measures.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said “I welcome the increase in the number of people being able to attend funerals at our crematoria and funerals outside can now go ahead without limits on the number of people attending. This will make it much better for grieving families and those wanting to attend a funeral service.  Our priority has always been to maintain the dignity of those who have sadly passed away and to support their loved ones in holding a funeral that meets their cultural, religious and general desires. This has been incredibly difficult during the pandemic as we have also had to minimise the likelihood of covid spreading within the city.  However, I am pleased we are now able to lift the restrictions as the country moves back towards some form of normality.

The only service yet to be re-instated is the practice of grave backfilling by the funeral attenders. We will keep these changes under review but hope to relax any outstanding restrictions by 21 June in line with the governments road map.”

For full details please see our webpage at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/cemeteries

 

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