We are responsible to make sure that a person receives a proper burial or cremation. This is under Section 46 of the 1984 Public Health Act.
This usually happens when:
- someone dies with no known blood relatives;
- or has relatives that do not want (or are not able) to be involved.
When this will happen
We normally act on instructions from the local Coroner's Office.
If a person dies in a residential home or sheltered accommodation
In some cases, the manager will tell us when a death has happened. This happens when they do not think there are any relatives willing or able to make the funeral arrangements.
If a person dies in hospital
The health authority are responsible for making burial or cremation arrangements.
What happens next
Effort is made to:
- locate family and friends to inform them of the death;
- identify a will;
- and to identify any religious beliefs or funeral preferences.
If family and friends are found, they will be asked if they want to make the funeral arrangements.
We will register the death if it has not been done already.
If a will is found
The executor will be asked to make the funeral arrangements in line with the deceased person's wishes. (The executor is responsible for looking after a person's estate when they die.)
We will then take no further action.
Who pays
The cost of the funeral is normally paid for using the money from the deceased person's estate. (Everything owned by a person who has died is known as their estate.) If there is not enough money in their estate, the executor of the will is personally responsible.
If the deceased person has not made a will
The person who is arranging the funeral, normally the next of kin, is responsible for the funeral costs.
Where you may be able to get help
- charities;
- and the Department of Works and Pension Support.
If this happens, the executor should keep the funeral costs to a minimum as funds may be limited.
If the next of kin is not prepared to arrange or pay for the funeral
For example:
- if there is not enough money in the deceased person's estate;
- or next of kin does not have the funds to pay.
Please note: The next of kin will be asked to make a written statement to confirm this.
The Council
We are the last resort when it comes to arranging and funding a funeral.
We will seek to recoup any costs from the estate and will raise an invoice to the next of kin.
Burial or cremation
If we do not know they wanted a burial
Funeral arrangements will be made with a funeral director of our choice to have a cremation service.
At the crematorium, a Public Health Funeral is just the same as any other funeral with a chapel service. If possible the minister doing the service will have the chance to speak to the family before the funeral. this is so they can make the service a personal one.
If family and friends will be at the funeral, a hymn may also be included in the service, if appropriate.
If we know they wanted a burial
If they left paperwork or told family/friends they wanted to be buried, suitable arrangements will be made.
A graveside service is normally held. This would be the same as any other, apart from there would not be a gravestone to mark the grave.
In either case an appropriate religious or non-religious ceremony will be arranged. This will depend on their beliefs, if we know what they were.
Property and belongings of the deceased person
The property will be made secure. Any keys or property that family and friends have should be handed in for safekeeping. All property should be recorded and handed into the Appointee and Deputy Team. We will then issue a receipt for any property handed in.
Property should only be handed over to the legal representatives dealing with the deceased person's estate. This might not be family or friends if a will has been made and other executors chosen.
If the deceased left furniture or other personal belongings, we cannot make arrangements for these items to be disposed of.
Please be aware that:
- The cost of clearing the property is normally met by the estate.
- Property should not be removed from the house unless legal authority exists to do so.
If their belongings have no monetary value and the property was rented
The landlord is responsible for recovering the property and deal with the contents.
If there is money left over after funeral costs
We will tell the Duchy of Lancaster to follow the rules set down by the Secretary of State.
Contact us
The Appointee and Deputy Team:
- Email: Appointeeships.team@calderdale.gov.uk.
- Phone: (01422) 392159.
- Address: Princess Buildings, 18 Princess Street, Halifax. HX1 1TP.