In the East of England, each authority sets its own charges for grave purchase (the Exclusive Right of Burial), interment (the physical burial), burial of cremated remains, memorial permissions and extra services. T 

How Burial Fees Work  

Most burial costs include: 

• Exclusive Right of Burial – the legal right to use a grave for a fixed period (often 25–99 years) 

• Interment fee – the cost of the burial taking place 

Councils may also charge separately for: 

• Burial of cremated remains 

• Reopening an existing grave 

• Weekend or bank holiday burials 

• Oversized coffin handling 

• Headstone/memorial permits and inspections 

Many councils have higher fees for non-residents, so always check whether resident-rate charges apply. If a council doesn’t publish full fees online, they typically provide them on request. 

Councils, Cemeteries & Official Burial Fee Links 

Bedfordshire & Surrounds 

• Bedford Borough Council – https://www.bedford.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/deaths/funerals-burials-and-cremations/funerals-burials-and-cremations-overview  

Cambridgeshire 

• Cambridge City Council – https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/bereavement-fees-and-charges 

• Fenland District Council – https://www.fenland.gov.uk/bereavement  

• Ely Cemetery https://www.cityofelycouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cem-fees-2025-2026-rev-nov-25.pdf  

• Huntingdonshire District Council – https://huntingdoncrematorium.co.uk/crematorium-cemetery-fees/  

• South Cambridgeshire District Council – Information on burials and cemetery services. 
  https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/bereavement-fees-and-charges  

• Newmarket Town Council (Cambridgeshire) – Cemetery fees for Newmarket Cemetery. 
  https://www.newmarket.gov.uk/newmarket-cemetery/newmarket-cemetery-fees/  

Essex 

Essex operates many cemeteries through local district and borough councils. A central Essex guide points you to your local area’s bereavement services where burial charges are published: 

• Essex County Council – Cemeteries & Crematoria guide 
  https://www.essex.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/what-do-when-someone-dies/cemeteries-and-crematoria-essex#  

• Braintree District Council – Cemetery fees including Exclusive Right of Burial and interment charges. 
  https://www.braintree.gov.uk/advice-environment/cemetery-fees/2 

• Colchester - https://colchestercrematorium.co.uk/cemetery/fees-charges/  

Norfolk 

• Norwich City Council – Cemetery charges including Exclusive Right of Burial, interment and memorial fees. https://www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20203/cemeteries_and_crematorium/2358/cemetery_charges 

• Norfolk County Council – Registrar service and burial information (local fees often published via district/borough sites). 
  https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-and-support/births-marriages-and-deaths/deaths 

• East Suffolk Council – Cemetery and burial information with details on how the Exclusive Right of Burial works https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community/cemeteries-and-burials/ 
  East Suffolk notes that some grave rights may be temporarily unavailable due to limited space.  

Suffolk 

• West Suffolk Council – Cemetery fees for Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill cemeteries. 
  https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Births-and-deaths/upload/Cemetery-fees-for-Bury-St-Edmunds-and-Haverhill-Cemeteries.pdf 

• Suffolk County Council – Registrar services (cemetery fees set by district councils within Suffolk). 
  https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/deaths 

• Ipswich Cemetery - https://www.ipswichcemetery.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cemetery-Lane-Fees-Charges-2025-2026-.pdf 

• East Suffolk - https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community/cemeteries-and-burials/#:~:text=There%20are%20a%20number%20of%20options%20for,areas%20in%20the%20cemeteries%20for%20this%20purpose  

What to Check When Comparing Burial Fees 

When reviewing any council burial fees, always look for: 

• Resident vs non-resident pricing 

• Length of the Exclusive Right of Burial lease 

• Fees for re-opening existing graves 

• Charges for ashes burial versus full burial 

• Weekend or bank holiday surcharge fees 

• Memorial permission and headstone installation costs 

If burial fees are not clearly listed online, councils will usually provide a full price list on request or via your funeral director. 

Burial fees across the East of England vary depending on the council, cemetery and specific services you need. Checking official council information early can help you plan realistically and avoid unexpected costs.