As a part of the Law Commission’s overall Burial, Cremation, and New Funerary Methods project, the New Funerary Methods Consultation Paper is an important step towards our ultimate aim of making recommendations to Government about a future-proof framework which will enable the regulation of new funerary methods.
New funerary methods are ways to break down a body other than burial, cremation or burial at sea. Although not currently regulated in England and Wales, some new funerary methods, such as alkaline hydrolysis and human composting, are available in other countries.
During this consultation event, we will explain the role of the Law Commission as an independent law reform body and give an overview of the key issues and provisional proposals set out in the Consultation Paper. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and share your views with the Law Commission.
The Consultation Paper and a summary are available on the project webpage together with more information about the project. A form for responding to the consultation can also be found on that page.
The response to our questions and provisional proposals will inform our recommendations to Government. Consultees can respond during the consultation period, which will run until 4 September 2025
Consultation events are part of our public consultation, following publication of the New Funerary Methods Consultation Paper. This is an important step towards our ultimate aim of making recommendations to Government about a future-proof framework which will enable the regulation of new funerary methods.
The events will begin with a presentation from our team. The in-person events will include an interactive discussion where stakeholders can share their views on our proposals and broader issues surrounding the future regulation of new funerary methods.
The online events will be held webinar style, with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions following the presentation portion of the events.
The content of all the events will be similar so you only need to sign up to one.
London event
📅 Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025
⏰ Time: 14:30 – 16:00
📍 Location: Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, SW1H 9AJ
Leeds event
📅 Date: Wednesday 16 July 2025
⏰ Time: 14:30 – 16:00
📍 Location: G.13 Maurice Keyworth Building, Moorland Road, Leeds, LS6 1AN
Both of the in-person events will be fully wheelchair accessible and are easy to access via public transport.
📅 Date: Tuesday 8 July 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 16:30
📅 Date: Wednesday 23 July 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 – 12:30
If you have any questions or need further details please contact the Law Commission at bcnfm@lawcommission.gov.uk about the events.