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Here’s how the new rules at York Crematorium will work

Photograph: Don LaVange on Flickr
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City of York Council has now given more details about how the temporary rules affecting the crematorium will work.

The council updated its guidance a few days ago, after undertaking discussions with faith leaders and funeral directors. 

It means the following options are available to those who have a service planned at the crematorium:

  • close family members will be able to attend York Crematorium and wait for the hearse to arrive. The council will secure a covered space for this purpose 
  • the minister/celebrant can spend up to 10 minutes with the family in prayer service and to commit the body outside, depending on faith practice
  • the celebrant/minister can also attend to give a service of 10 minutes within the chapel and we will still provide a short video free of charge for those families who wish for a copy.

Government ministers happy

York Crematorium. Photograph © Google Street View

Arrangements are also being made to ensure funerals are appropriately scheduled, so that services do not overlap, and that each family group are given plenty of privacy.

The council has also confirmed that on recent discussions with Government officials, the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities has confirmed that they are content with the council’s approach as agreed on Saturday (11 April).

Once the restrictions have lifted, the council will ensure that services of remembrance at York Crematorium will be offered to all families and a city wide multifaith remembrance ceremony will be held, supported by local faith leaders and the council.

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Council leader Keith Aspden said: “We fully recognise the impact that this decision will have on bereaved families but ultimately, it has been taken protect everyone concerned, including families and their loved ones.

“With confirmation of these arrangements and how they will be implemented, we hope that moving forward, they will bring some much needed comfort to grieving families at what is an exceptionally difficult time for them.

“I know that our teams will continue to do all that they can to meet the needs of families.”