The Church in Wales is backing a proposed major change to burial law.

The change would transfer the responsibility of maintaining closed graveyards to local authorities.

Currently, Welsh church graveyards that are closed because they are full have to be maintained by the congregation.

This could change under proposals put forward by the Law Commission, which would see their care transferred to local authorities, as is the case in England.

However, the proposal is still in the consultation phase and people are being urged to respond.

Alex Glanville, director of property strategy for the Church in Wales, says the cost of maintaining closed graveyards has been a heavy and unfair burden for churches for many years.

He said: "This proposes a radical change that would impact significantly on the Church in Wales.

"It is the only denomination in Wales that has an obligation to bury all parishioners, without discrimination – a similar duty to the Church of England.

"However, we do not have the equivalent power to transfer maintenance of closed burial grounds to local authorities.

Parishioners have had to raise money for wall repairs in Mynwent Tanysgafell (Image: Supplied)"We believe the proposed change in the law is fair.

"Our congregations receive no income from closed burial grounds so the burden of maintenance weighs heavily on them.

"We are very grateful for discretionary grants made by some local councils and urge others to consider doing the same.

"But we do believe the responsibility for maintaining places of community burial which are full should be able to be passed to the local authority."

Comments on the proposed change can be made via an online portal as detailed in the consultation.

The deadline for response is January 9, 2025.

Following the consultation, the Government will consider the recommendations and decide when to bring forward legislation.

Much of the law in this area is devolved to the Welsh Government.

Photographs show Mynwent Tanysgafell, near Bethesda, a graveyard surrounding a ruined chapel that was in use between 1848 and 1913.

The graveyard is the responsibility of Bro Ogwen Ministry Area.

Parishioners have recently had to raise money for wall repairs and tree work.