At the meeting of Full Council on 15 October 2026, Councillors approved updates to the Council’s Cemetery Regulations. The updated regulations apply to the cemetery at Old Town on St Mary’s, which the Council is responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining. You can read the updated Cemetery Regulations and watch the Full Council discussion at the following links:
WATCH THE FULL COUNCIL DISCUSSION
What has changed
The Regulations have been revised to clarify guidance for residents, grave owners, funeral directors and Council staff in relation to the consistent management and long-term upkeep of the site and ensure it remains a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all. The guidance includes:
- Responsibilities of grave owners and the Council
- Grave maintenance requirements
- Conduct expectations
- How bereaved families can access information
The Cemetery Regulations also introduce a new Memorial Plaque Service, which enables memorials to be installed on a Wall of Remembrance on a 10-year lease, for a fee of £200.
Grave owners and visitors to the cemetery should be aware that there is clearer guidance on the placing of tributes on grave plots, including the prohibition of ceramics, glass and potted plants. Please read the guidance and regulations on our Cemetery webpage in full before placing a tribute on any grave at Old Town Cemetery.
A leaflet summarising the new guidance has also been prepared to be handed directly to bereaved families by the local funeral directors. Copies can be downloaded from our Cemetery webpage and printed, or collected from our Customer Hubs.
Councillor John Peacock, Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“Old Town Cemetery is a peaceful and treasured place of remembrance for our community. By rewriting these regulations, we have provided clearer guidance that will help protect its tranquil character, support families at difficult times, and ensure the cemetery continues to be cared for respectfully for future generations.”
Further information
As a burial authority, the Council is responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the Old Town Cemetery in line with The Local Authorities Cemetery Order 1977 (as amended), the Local Government Act 1972 and the Isles of Scilly Order 1978.