Muslim burial space shortage reaches critical level

The shortage of burial plots for Muslims in Dewsbury has reached a critical stage, following years of inaction by local authorities, according to a councillor. Ammar Anwar, representing the Community Alliance, spoke out after Kirklees Council admitted that available burial plots are "extremely limited".

Anwar highlighted that some families now face the unsettling reality of potentially needing to arrange burials far from their own community.

Council leader Carole Pattison stated that the authority is collaborating with local communities to expand burial options, with 500,000 allocated toward finding a solution.

Concerns about the rapid depletion of burial spaces at Dewsbury Cemetery have been raised repeatedly over the years. In November 2022, the Dewsbury Cemetery Multi-Faith Action Group warned that available land could be exhausted within 12 to 18 months. However, the council insisted that current spaces would meet community needs for six to seven years.

A June 2023 council report emphasized the need for a new burial site, noting that Dewsbury Cemetery would be full for new Muslim burials by the end of that year. The council maintained that there would still be sufficient space for people of all faiths, including 600 plots managed by the North Kirklees Muslim Burial Committee.

Previously, under then-leader Shabir Pandor, the council approved 500,000 for the development of two new burial sites, each intended to provide an additional 1,000 plots. However, progress stalled when a report outlining potential sites failed to materialize.

Anwar stressed, "Residents in Dewsbury and North Kirklees deserve dignity, respect, and certainty when it comes to burial arrangements. This shortage has been building for years, and the community is asking why no meaningful steps have been taken to secure extra space or implement a long-term plan."

He added that many families are now confronting the distressing prospect of seeking burial locations far outside their local area, a situation described as unfair and culturally insensitive.

Pattison confirmed that council officers are set to present options for new burial spaces in the coming weeks, adding, "Whatever solutions are proposed, we aim to engage closely with communities on this sensitive issue."

Author: Ava Mitchell