York Council to temporarily manage Fulford Cemetery

City of York Council has announced that it is to temporarily take over management of Fulford Cemetery amid financial pressures facing the site’s burial services.

Fulford Parish Council, which has run the cemetery since 1965 under a historic agreement with the city council, said a shift away from burials had made the service financially unsustainable.

It follows a national trend in which more families are opting for cremation, particularly low-cost no-service options, rather than traditional burials.

The city council will manage the cemetery until August 2026 while legal processes are completed and a long-term solution is identified.

In a joint statement, Fulford Parish Council said: “We welcome the constructive discussions we’ve had with the City of York Council in recent months over the future of Fulford Cemetery.

“It has been a challenging time trying to establish a financially-sustainable service as people have increasingly opted for alternatives to burial at our site and other cemeteries across the country.”

It added: “A decision that provides immediate security for the future of the service is urgently needed as Fulford Parish Council is unable to financially support this city-wide service indefinitely.”

Under a revised 2006 agreement, Fulford Parish Council has held full responsibility for burial services across the city. The shared agreement means financial losses fall jointly to both councils.

The city council said the aim of the temporary takeover was to stabilise the cemetery’s finances and determine a long-term management plan.

Residents and others with an interest in the site, including families with relatives buried there, are being encouraged to submit views on its future by 1 September 2025. Feedback will help inform a report due later this year.