EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

The Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 (“the 2008 Regulations”) make provision about cremation in England and Wales, including in relation to the disposal of ashes, and the keeping of records relating to cremations.

These Regulations amend the 2008 Regulations to insert a definition of “ashes”, to make clear that this means all that is left in a cremator, other than metal, at the end of the cremation process.

The 2008 Regulations require cremation authorities to retain documents relating to cremations. These Regulations remove the requirement to keep paper copies of documents for two years where the documents are also kept electronically.

An impact assessment of the anticipated effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available from coroners@justice.gsi.gov.uk ; or by writing to the Coroners, Burials, Cremations and Inquiries Policy Team, Ministry of Justice, Post Point 3.37, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ and can be found at https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/consultation-on-cremation.