The post Parochial Fees 2027 to 2031 described the parochial fees for the next quinquennium, 2027 to 2031, to be considered for approval at the February General Synod. The current level of parochial fees is determined by The Parochial Fees Order 2024 which set the framework for fees in 2025 and 2026. Under this Order the fees increased annually in line with CPI inflation rounded up to the nearest whole pound, subject to a cap of 5% p.a. A new Parochial Fees Order is required to set the fees for 2027 and beyond, (the maximum period permitted under the Ecclesiastical Fees Measure 1986 is five years).

The table in Schedule 1 of the draft Order, GS2434, sets out “base figures” which represent the level of parochial fees at current prices. The Explanatory Memorandum, GS 2434X, states (at [6]) that “Other than in the case of the fees for burials, the base figures are the currently payable figures for 2026″; a significant increase in burial fees is proposed, the rationale for which is described in the Policy Note, GS 2434P.

Background

Comparators for burial fees

An earlier paper on future of Parochial Fees, GS Misc 1420, Update on Parochial fees, was circulated in advance of the meeting of General Synod in York 11-15 July 2025. As a “GS Misc paper” it was not issued for discussion although General Synod members were invited to attend a fringe meeting during the July Group of Sessions to discuss the options, opportunities, challenges and risks of alternative models for parochial fees.

At this fringe meeting it was suggested that the parochial fees relating to the burial of a body or cremated remains in a churchyard were out of line with the burial fees charged for woodland burials. The Archbishops’ Council noted that the fees charged by Local Authorities for burial in cemeteries and those charged by entities offering woodland burials are significantly higher than the Church of England fees. The comparative analysis of such charges and fees reviewed by the Council and its Finance Committee is summarised in the table below.

Further Analysis

Further detail is provided in Annex 1 of the Policy Note, 2432P, which published the following comparison:

* For the Church of England parochial fees, the lower figure relates to burial following a service in church and the higher figure for burial on a separate occasion. The majority of the fee goes to the PCC: £18 and £52 respectively goes to the DBF

The Council recognised that the scope of these fees was not directly comparable. The Church of England fee includes “an element for the cost of the minister’s time”. The fees for woodland burials and those charged by local authorities “will include the cost of staff to maintain burial grounds and cemeteries respectively and an apportionment of central costs, whereas the assumption is that much of the work done in Church of England churchyards will be accrued out by volunteers and relatives”.

However, anecdotal evidence suggests this is becoming an increasingly unreliable assumption with greater family mobility, aging congregations, a greater need for specialist skills to maintain headstones and the churchyard environment in part to greater Health and Safety requirements [6]. The document continues:

“[7]. Having considered this analysis, the Council agreed with the recommendation of its Finance Committee to propose a one-off uplift of £1,000 to the PCC fees relating to the burial of a body or cremated remains in a Churchyard in addition to the inflationary increases. The proposal would bring the fees charged by Church of England parishes more into line with the fees with burials elsewhere.

[8]. It would also provide a significant financial benefit for some PCCs – those with open churchyards. Necessarily it cannot effect other PCCs. But for some PCCs – mostly churches in rural areas – it could be of significant benefit at a time when many PCCs are struggling financially. It is not possible to estimate the overall financial impact of this proposal as [the Council does] not have data on the number of burials. There would be some increased expense for people seeking burials for their loved ones, although in some instances this additional cost would be met from funeral plans arranged by the deceased person.

[…]

[11]. The fees for 2027 provided for in the draft Order are this year’s figures – with a one-off uplift in the PCC fee in relation to the burial of a body or cremated remains in a Churchyard – increased by CPI as at August 2026, but with a cap of 5% (subject to rounding up to the nearest pound).

[12]. The fees for subsequent years will be the previous year’s figures increased by CPI as at the preceding August, again with a cap of 5% (subject to rounding).

Comment

The Archbishops’ Council put this proposal forward for consideration by the Synod “as a way to help many rural churches, and for Church of England burial fees to be more consistent with other forms of burial. But it will of course welcome views from Synod on this matter [9]”.

Indeed.

Post updated: 17 February 2026 at 14:39. The outcome of the Synod debate will be reported in a later post.