Cremation Statistics in the U.K

Cremation Statistics in the UK and What They Mean – Holmes & Family Funerals in Staines & Ashford, Middlesex.

In the quiet transformation of modern funeral practices, the UK has witnessed a significant shift: cremation has become the dominant choice for saying goodbye. As society evolves, so too do our traditions, and cremation now reflects changing attitudes toward death, environment, cost, and culture.

A Nation Turning to Ashes

Cremation is no longer the exception—it’s the norm. According to the latest data from the Cremation Society of Great Britain and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over 78% of all deaths in the UK in 2023 resulted in cremation. This is a dramatic rise compared to the 1960s, when fewer than 35% of deaths led to cremation.

The rise has been consistent over the decades, fuelled by a mixture of practicality, religious shifts, and environmental concerns.

Breakdown Cremation by Region

England leads the charge, with cremation rates hovering around 80%, followed by Scotland and Wales with slightly lower but still high numbers. Northern Ireland, with a historically more conservative and religious population, has the lowest cremation rate—though even there, cremation is steadily gaining ground.

Region Cremation Rate (2023)

England 80%

Scotland 74%

Wales 72%

Northern Ireland 58%

Why the Shift?

Several factors contribute to this shift:

• Cost: Cremations are generally more affordable than traditional burials. With average burial costs in 2023 reaching over £5,000, compared to cremations at around £3,700, families are making financially driven decisions.

• Space: The UK is running out of burial space, especially in urban areas. Cremation offers a practical solution.

• Secularism: As the UK becomes more secular, religious traditions that favoured burial are less influential.

• Flexibility: Cremated remains allow families more freedom in memorial choices—scattering, keeping ashes at home, or incorporating them into creative tributes.

Eco-Friendly—or Not?

While cremation has been considered the greener option, recent scrutiny highlights its carbon footprint. The industry is now exploring resomation (water cremation) and electric cremators to reduce environmental impact. Burial in woodland or natural cemeteries is also emerging as an alternative.

What’s Next?

The future points to even more innovation and personalization. From biodegradable urns to online memorials, the cremation landscape is evolving beyond the flames.

Whether for practical reasons, personal beliefs, or environmental concerns, the data speaks volumes: the UK is embracing cremation as its new tradition. Holmes & Family Funeral Directors in Staines and Ashford can assist with planning cremations and burials. Please call our funeral home in Staines – Upon-Thames for more help.

Sources:

• Cremation Society of Great Britain – Annual Statistics Report (2023)

• Office for National Statistics (ONS)

• SunLife Cost of Dying Report (2024)