Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains always requires a Home Office| Licence

Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery
• Repatriation overseas
• Transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another
• Court orders requiring further forensic examination
  Please note the granting of a Home Office Exhumation Licence is subject to a valid reason being approved by the Home Office.

If is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions.

• A licence must be obtained from the Home Office. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that have to be observed
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health