Planning a funeral is never easy, and understanding burial costs can feel particularly daunting. In the North East of England, burial and cemetery fees are set by local councils, meaning costs can vary significantly depending on where the burial takes place. 

Each council acts as the burial authority for its area and is responsible for setting charges for grave purchase (the Exclusive Right of Burial), interment, ashes plots, and additional services such as weekend burials or memorial permissions. 

This guide brings together all local authorities across the North East of England, with direct links to official council pages so you can check the most accurate and up-to-date burial fees while planning a funeral. 

How Burial Fees Work in the North East 

Burial costs are usually made up of two main elements: 

• The Exclusive Right of Burial (the right to use a grave for a set period, often 50–100 years) 

• The interment fee (the cost of the burial taking place) 

Councils may also charge separately for: 

• Burial of cremated remains 

• Re-opening an existing grave 

• Weekend or bank holiday burials 

• Oversized coffins or vaults 

• Memorial permits and inspections 

Many councils charge higher fees for non-residents, so it is always worth checking residency rules. 

North East of England: Councils, Cemeteries & Official Burial Fee Links 

Northumberland & Tyne and Wear 

• Northumberland County Council 
  https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages-civil-partnerships/deaths/funeral-arrangements/bereavement-services-price  

• Newcastle City Council 
  https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages-and-ceremonies/bereavement-services/buy-memorials-and-graves  

• North Tyneside Council 
  https://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/death-and-bereavement/burials#toc-fees-and-c-WhrZ6AI4  

• South Tyneside Council 
  https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/3004/Burial-prices 

• Gateshead Council 
  https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/2852/Fees-and-charges 

• Sunderland City Council  
  https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/33066/Bereavement-fees-and-charges-Cemeteries  

County Durham & Tees Valley 

• Durham County Council 
  https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2242/Funeral-fees  

• Darlington Borough Council 
  https://www.darlington.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/cemeteries-and-crematorium/fees/  

• Hartlepool Borough Council 
  https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages/cemeteries-crematorium/3  

• Middlesbrough Council 
  https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/cemeteries-and-crematorium/burial-charges/  

• Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council 
  https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-ceremonies/bereavement-services/burial-fees-and-charges  

• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council 
  https://www.stockton.gov.uk/bereavement-services-fees  

What to Look For When Comparing Burial Costs 

When reviewing council burial fees, look carefully at: 

• Resident vs non-resident charges 

• Length of the grave lease (Exclusive Right of Burial) 

• Fees for reopening an existing family grave 

• Costs for ashes burial compared with full burial 

• Weekend or urgent burial surcharges 

• Memorial and headstone permissions 

If information isn’t clearly listed online, councils will usually provide a full price list by phone or email. 

Planning Tips 

• Ask the funeral director which council cemetery is being used before confirming costs 

• Check whether the deceased qualifies for resident rates 

• Request a full written breakdown of burial charges 

• Consider whether burial of cremated remains may be a more affordable option 

• Keep copies of grave deeds and burial rights for future reference 

• Burial fees can vary widely depending on the council, cemetery and circumstances. Taking time to check official council information early can help you plan realistically, avoid unexpected costs and focus on creating a meaningful farewell.