Exhumations within North Somerset require a
licence.
It is an offence to remove remains from a grave or
cremation plot without a licence and it is a rare and
expensive process.
Exhumations occur for a number of reasons such as the movement
of remains to another plot, repatriation overseas or for
forensic examination of a body.
It also tends to be traumatic for the family involved and for this
reason alone it is always best to consult with all relatives
before proceeding.
Licences are granted by the
Home Office and one of our
officers must be present at the exhumation to ensure respect for
the deceased person is maintained and public health is
protected.
Funeral directors can help in obtaining an exhumation licence and
if a person is buried in consecrated grounds permission from the
church is required.
If the conditions of the licence cannot be met or there are
public health or decency concerns the exhumation cannot
proceed.
For more information contact our
Crematorium
and Cemeteries service or visit our
service
standards page and download our Environmental and Consumer
Services service standards.
