In Britain (well at least England I don't know if Scotland is different) the copyright time limit was raised to 70 years about 10 years ago (apparently to fall in line with Germany rather than Germany fall in line with the rest of Europe). At the time I had to make enquiries for making arrangements of music for a handbell team.

Basically, once a piece has been out of copyright (when the limit was 50 years) the change to 70 years cannot put it back into copyright. If I remember it properly the rights holder for one of the pieces said words to the effect that they couldn't now charge but I could put a notice on saying that it was with permission. Also, the 70 year rule applies from the date of the death of the holder of the rights; if I understand it correctly this isn't necessarily the author/composer's!