Important resolutions of the city council in Brandenburg!

Important resolutions of the city council in Brandenburg!

On June 18, 2025, the official gazette of the city of Brandenburg an der Havel was published with the number 15/2025. This edition contains important resolutions of the city council as well as information about upcoming meetings. For example, an invitation is invited to the meeting on June 25, 2025, which is important for citizens.

A central issue is the new cemetery fee regulations for the cemetery of the Evangelical Church Community of Mahlenzien. These statutes not only regulate the fees that arise for the use of the cemetery, but also provide information about burial rights and the regulations for grave design. This information is crucial for the relatives of the deceased as it affects the costs and general conditions for the funeral.

Cemetery fees and burial obligations

As Serafinum explains, cemetery fees vary significantly depending on the city and cemetery. They account for up to 40% of the total cost of a funeral. This includes the grave usage fee and the burial fee. This also includes the costs for restoring and clearing the graves after the period of use has expired. Particularly in urban areas, these fees can add up quickly, which is an important consideration for many grieving people.

In addition, the cemetery regulations regulate many other details, such as the size of the graves, the rest periods and regulations regarding gravestones and plants. As a rule, the rest period for corpses is at least 25 years and for ashes at least 20 years; a shorter period applies to children under 10 years of age.

Legal basis of burial

The Bestattungspflicht in Germany has a long tradition and is deeply anchored in Christian culture. This duty determines who is responsible for the burial of a deceased person. These are primarily the next of kin – i.e. spouses, children or parents. However, these only have to be activated if the deceased has not made his own arrangements, for example through a funeral provision contract or death benefit insurance.

There is also an important difference between the burial obligation and the obligation to bear costs. The latter is anchored in the Civil Code (BGB) and states that the heir must pay for the funeral costs. But here too there are regulations that can exempt heirs from this obligation under certain circumstances.

Overall, it is clear that the issues surrounding burials and cemetery fees are not only of a legal nature, but also have an emotional dimension. The current developments in Brandenburg an der Havel reflect what concerns many people and what decisions have to be made in difficult times.

For further information and details about the official gazette, the contact details are available: E-mail: buerosvvstadt-brandenburg.de or by telephone at (03381) 58 13 17. The official gazette can still be viewed online at [www.stadt-brandenburg.de/rathaus/amtsblatt](www.stadt-brandenburg.de/rathaus/amtsblatt).