We arrange welfare funerals when someone dies within our area with no next of kin or when no suitable funeral arrangements are being made. This service is provided for reasons of public health as set out in the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
The Council cannot become involved if funeral arrangements have already been made for the funeral to take place. Anyone giving instructions to a funeral director will be responsible for any costs incurred.
Where possible The Council will recover the welfare funeral expenses from the deceased's estate.
Financial support for next of kin:
If you are in receipt of benefits you may be entitled to a one off funeral payment to cover the costs of the funeral from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Council Funeral Records:
View details of council burials here. [131KB]
We do not provide some details, such as the name and address of the deceased, on our website due to the reasons stated in the decision notices below.
ICO decision notice 4.12.2012 [142KB]
ICO decision notice 5.11.2015 [160KB]
