Funerals arranged by us (public health funerals)

We have a legal obligation to arrange a funeral where the deceased have no family or a next of kin cannot be traced.

These cases are usually referred to us by:

• local coroners
• local care homes

This responsibility falls under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

We also have the right to recover the costs of the funeral through the deceased's estate.

If the deceased has (traceable) family or next of kin, we will contact them to ask if they can make arrangements for the funeral.

If you are concerned with the costs of a funeral for your loved one, you may be eligible for help, depending on your circumstances.

You may be eligible for:

• Funeral Expenses Payment
• Bereavement Support Payment
• Budgeting Loan
• Public Health Funeral
• Children's Funeral Fund (CFF)