Consultation on cremation following infant cremation inquiries

Results updated 19 Aug 2016

This response follows the Government’s consultation on proposals for a number of changes to the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008, as well as proposals intended to improve practice surrounding cremation.

A total of 84 responses were received to the consultation from a range of organisations and individuals including local authorities, cremation authorities, bereaved parents, hospitals, voluntary organisations, faith groups and a number of trade associations for crematoria and funeral directors.

The consultation response document explains how the responses shaped the policy, and announces our intention to:

• Provide 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.

 

 

Files:

• Consultation response, 844.4 KB (PDF document)
• Welsh consultation response, 937.4 KB (PDF document)
• Impact assessment, 518.4 KB (PDF document)