Public Burials / Deceased Persons / Welfare Burials

In the absence of satisfactory arrangements the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984, requires the Local Authority to make arrangements for the disposal of deceased persons who have died in their area. The council will register the death, instruct the funeral director, and secure the assets of the deceased to cover the funeral expenses. Any remaining assets after costs may be given to a qualifying relative, or passed on to H.M. Treasury.

We will at all times have consideration for the wishes of the deceased when instructing the funeral director and determining whether a burial or cremation is required. All reasonable efforts will be made to contact any known family or close friends of the deceased.

If a Last Will and Testament is found the legal Executor of the estate will be written to informing him or her of the death and asking them to take responsibility for the administration of the estate and funeral arrangements. If the Executor refuses to take responsibility or the Executor or beneficiaries cannot be contacted, the department will endeavour to comply with the wishes stated in the Will and the costs will be recovered from the estate.


If the death occurs in a nursing home it is likely that the Adult and Community Services Department will make arrangements for the funeral. However, the hospital will take responsibility if the death occurs in the hospital. The Environmental Health Department will take responsibility if the death occurs at home or on the street.

Q1. Can I arrange the funeral and have the Council pay for it?

No. If you arrange the funeral it becomes your contract with the funeral director. However the council will always endeavour to meet reasonable wishes of the bereaved.

Q2. Can I get help with the funeral costs?

Not from the Council, however if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits you may be eligible to apply for a grant to help with the funeral costs.

An SF200 form should be obtained from the DWP, or online at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/sf200_print.pdf


Q3. Will I be able to attend the funeral arranged by the Council?

Yes, if one is arranged. The Council is not obliged to provide a service. Any family or friends of the deceased are welcome to attend the service if one is arranged. Transport will not be provided.

Q4. Can the family choose whether the body will be cremated or buried?

Not unless the deceased had clearly expressed a preference for either in their will, in which case we will try to comply with their wishes.

Q5. What is the procedure for arranging a funeral?

First the council is notified of the death, usually from the offices of HM Coroner. Next a visit is arranged to the deceased’s home to identify relatives, and a will. Also any valuables in the home are removed, receipted and put into safe keeping.

Then reasonable efforts are made to contact relatives and Executors / beneficiaries if they can be found. If the Estate exceeds a certain value then the Treasury Solicitor in London becomes involved. Next a death certificate is obtained from the Registrars followed by the appointment of funeral directors.

The funeral date is publicised to known friends and relatives. Any goods and monies to the value of the amount expended by the council in arranging the funeral is recovered by the council.