The care and maintenance of open churchyards remains the responsibility of the PCC and churchwardens, with oversight from the incumbent or priest-in-charge on matters of interments and memorials.
Where a churchyard has been closed by Order in Council, responsibility for its ongoing maintenance can be, and often is, transferred to the local authority. However, the freehold continues to vest in the incumbent and legal responsibility for those injured when visiting the churchyard may still lie with the PCC. The faculty jurisdiction continues to apply in a closed churchyard (see DAC & Facilities) and therefore the Local Authority will need approval before carrying out any maintenance works (see Permissions). If you are unsure what permission may be required, contact the DAC staff.