Every local authority in the UK is required by law to arrange funerals for people who die within their borough where there are no relatives willing, or financially able to make the funeral arrangements themselves.
The legislation that governs this is Section 46 of the Public Health Act 1984.
We will only take on cases where the deceased has died within the Cumberland Council area; and only in circumstances where family and friends have not already entered into an agreement with a Funeral Director.
In cases where the deceased has left a will, it is the duty of the Executor of the will to arrange and pay for the funeral.
Who pays for a public health funeral
The cost of the funeral is taken from the estate of the deceased. Their estate includes money in bank, building society or other financial accounts, as well as personal possessions such as property, jewellery, antiques or any other items of value. We may be required to carry out a search of the deceased’s property to secure these items in order to offset the funeral costs.
It is important to consider the other ways in which you may be able to access help towards funeral costs. For example, the deceased may have a funeral plan which covers the funeral expenses.
Find out if you're eligible for help with funeral expenses - GOV.UK
What to expect from a public health funeral
Public health funerals are a simple, basic funeral service provided by local authorities in circumstances where the cost of a funeral cannot be covered by family members or recovered from the deceased’s estate.
What is included:
- the services of our contracted Funeral Director
- a simple coffin
- transport of the deceased
- a minister or celebrant
What is not included:
- flowers
- viewings
- choice of day and time for the funeral service
- notices in local newspapers
- music choices
- visual tributes
- eulogies read by family and friends during the service
- transport to and from the crematorium for family members
- choosing the deceased’s clothing
- personal mementos inside the coffin
- funeral teas
Following a cremation, cremated remains will be returned to the family following the cremation service if they so wish, otherwise they will be strewn in the grounds of crematorium which will be their final resting place.
For a burial, a graveside service will be provided within a public grave in one of our cemeteries. This grave may be shared with others and no memorial or headstone will be permitted.