This council can carry out burials under the provisions of the National Assistance Act 1948 and the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1948, if no arrangements have been made for a funeral, and where no other person is prepared to accept responsibility. Initial contact is usually through the Coroner.

If the next of kin is known, contact will be made to establish if they will accept responsibility. Legal responsibility for married couples rests with the spouse, and for children it rests with the parents.

The Council will only provide a basic funeral and will not pay for the following:-

• Notices in newspapers
• Flowers
• Transport (other than the hearse)

Church service/minister fees

If known the deceased's wishes will be observed, for example, cremation as opposed to burial. However, if a burial is undertaken it will be in an un-purchased grave and therefore no headstone can be erected.

Where no one is prepared to accept responsibility for the funeral or estate, the Council will then deal with these matters and recover the costs if there are sufficient funds available.

Useful links

Office of Fair Trading - funerals
Cruse Bereavement Care