Public health funerals

We have a statutory duty under the provisions of Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to arrange the funeral of anyone who dies within the borough, regardless of where they lived, who has no one willing or able to organise their funeral. This is called a public health funeral.

Only in exceptional circumstances will we carry out a public health funeral where there are known family.  

Costs

We can recover all the costs incurred in making the funeral arrangements from the estate of the deceased person (usually money or property). We cannot provide any funding for funeral arrangements to families.

Public health funeral staff have statutory authorisation to enter a property, under the provisions of section 61(1)(d) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, to ascertain the extent of the estate and to remove any items or assets which may assist in funding the funeral.

Assistance with funeral costs

The Department for Work and Pensions offers funeral support for those on low incomes, This should be explored before approaching us.

Details on eligibility and how to apply for this assistance can be found on GOV.UK.

Executors of a will

We will not be able to make funeral arrangements in cases where the deceased made a will and the executor is traced. In these circumstances the executor would be expected to organise the funeral.

If the executor wishes to revoke their duties, they must make a formal renunciation of the will and declare that they wish to have no further involvement in the funeral arrangements.

Referrals and arrangements

Referrals usually come through to via residential and nursing homes and hospitals in the borough.

Once we have accepted a public health funeral referral, we will deal with all aspects of the organisation of a funeral, including registering the death, dealing with the funeral directors to make the arrangements, and paying for the funeral.

The service

Our contracted funeral director will provide everything necessary for a simple yet dignified service including a coffin, transport of the deceased to the crematorium or cemetery in a hearse, and sufficient bearers to transfer the coffin to the chapel.  

Arrangements will be made for a minister of religion or a religious representative of the faith of the deceased to conduct the service in accordance with that faith. If a non-religious service is appropriate, then this will be respected. If we do arrange a funeral and there are family and/or friends, they are welcome to attend the funeral service, however, they will have no choice as to where and when it is held.

Cremation and burial

A cremation service will normally be arranged unless it is established that the deceased would have chosen burial for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. If a burial is required and the deceased did not own a grave, the burial will take place in an unmarked public grave at a cemetery chosen by us.

Following the cremation, cremated remains are usually interred in an unmarked but recorded location in the Garden of Remembrance. In exceptional circumstances cremated remains may be given into the care of a close friend or family member.

Additional information and support

For further advice or information:

Up to Funerals and cremations

Updated: 09/03/2022