Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Marsha De Cordova and Jodie Gosling

Thursday 17th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Jodie Gosling (Nuneaton) (Lab)]

12. What steps the Church is taking to help ensure that people can contact and communicate with the leaders of their dioceses.

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)]

My hon. Friend’s constituency is under the jurisdiction of the diocese of Coventry, and there is currently a vacancy for the diocesan bishop. However, all the contact details for the bishop’s office, diocesan staff and cathedral staff are found on the website. Contact details for local clergy are also available on the website A Church Near You.

[Jodie Gosling]

I thank my hon. Friend for their response and welcome them to their new role, in which they are doing a brilliant job. Constituents in Nuneaton have raised concerns about finding available burial plots. Given the recent consultation from the Law Commission, can my hon. Friend please update the House on proposals to increase burial capacity in England?

[Marsha De Cordova]

The Church of England contributed to the proposals developed by the Law Commission, and they have developed those proposals sensitively to address the complex questions around burial and cremation law. All sides recognise the growing need and the pressure for burial space, and the challenges facing burial grounds and maintenance. Reusing grave spaces in churchyards in some circumstances is a long-standing and lawful practice in the Church of England, ensuring that existing remains are left undisturbed. However, some churchyards are declared full and are closed by law. They are unable to be reopened for new burials.