How the funeral is arranged
A public health funeral will be simple but respectful. Family and friends will not be able to influence the way that the funeral is delivered but may provide the officer with information about the deceased.
If any family or friends wish for a more personal funeral, they will need to take on responsibility for arranging the funeral. There is financial help available for family and friends in some circumstances.
A public health funeral will always involve a cremation, unless the officer has reason to believe that cremation would be contrary to the wishes of the deceased. In these cases, the person will be buried.
The funeral will include a brief ceremony, usually at the cremation chapel, at a time and date determined by the officer in conjunction with the funeral director. It will be conducted by a minister or celebrant based on the officer’s knowledge of the person’s religious beliefs. The ceremony will usually include music chosen by the officer.
Any readings will be done by the minister or celebrant or by someone independent such as a community leader or local councillor.
The officer will share the details of the funeral with known family or friends as soon as possible. They will also be shared on the Council’s social media channels so that community members may attend.
Following a cremation, the persons ashes will be scattered in a garden of remembrance at the crematorium.
Where possible, the Council will recover reasonable costs of the public health funeral from the estate of the deceased in accordance with the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984..