Graves in England and Wales could be reused after 100 years

Gravestone Yardley cemetery in Birmingham. As well as freeing up graves, the Law Commission wants to improve safeguards relating to burial. Photograph: Jeremy Pardoe/Alamy

Graves more than 100 years old could be reused across England and Wales under Law Commission proposals that also include the reopening of some burial grounds closed under Victorian-era legislation.

The changes would create a national framework for the first time, aiming to reduce pressure on burial space and modernise a system largely unchanged for more than 170 years.