Introduction
A public health funeral takes place when someone dies in the district and there are no known relatives or friends able to make the necessary arrangements. The council is required to register the death and arrange the funeral. Where a person lives in the district, but dies in another district, the duty falls on the Council for that area.
A public health funeral is only carried out when it appears that no other agency or persons are willing or able to make suitable arrangements.
Whilst the Act exists to protect public health, we will also ensure that the deceased are afforded respect and dignity, that the bereaved are considered and the burden placed on the taxpayer managed.