We have a duty to bury or cremate a person who has died where no arrangements have been made under Section 46 (1) of the Public Health Act 1984.
This can happen when:
- A person dies without leaving a will and there is no known next of kin
- The next of kin is unable to either pay for or arrange the burial or cremation.
Before we make any arrangements we will try to look for the next of kin. To do this, we will look through old records held on our database or search the deceased's home.
What happens at a public funeral
Whether the funeral is a burial or a cremation, we will hold a committal service in our chapel or at the graveside. On those few occasions when there are no mourners, the crematorium staff and funeral directors staff are always present.
The cremated remains of the deceased are usually scattered in the garden of remembrance unless we find other specific instructions in the deceased's possessions or will. Burials take place in a communal grave.
Recovering our costs
When a person dies without leaving a will, their estate is known as Bona Vacantia, which is Latin for ownerless goods.
Where possible, we take money from the deceased's estate to pay for the funeral and any administration costs.
If the deceased leaves an estate above the value of £500 after funeral expenses and all debts are paid, then we will pass it to the Treasury Solicitor. They will manage the estate on behalf of the state and publish details on the Bona Vacanti website
Money we spend on public funerals
- 2023/24 we spent £20,996 18 public funerals (5 females and 13 males)
- 2022/23 we spent £35,636 22 public funerals (3 females and 19 males) value reflects outstanding invoices
- 2021/22 we spent £16,072 19 public funerals (4 females and 15 males)
- 2020/21 we spent £21,956 on 25 public funeral (5 females and 20 males)
- 2019/20 we spent £14,645 on 12 public funerals (9 men and 3 females)
- 2018/19 we spent £14,020.40 on 14 public funerals (11 men and 3 females)
- 2017/18 we spent £5,442 on 7 public funerals (7 men)
- 2016/17 we spent £6,548.20 on 12 public funerals (3 females and 9 men)
- 2015/16 we spent £6,047 on 10 public funerals (2 females and 8 male)
- 2014/15 we spent £5,667 on 8 public funerals
- 2013/14 we spent £4,235.67 on 7 public funerals
- 2012/13 we spent £6,392.20 on 12 public funerals
- 2011/12 we spent £3,048.80 on 7 public funerals.
Death in a hospital
If a person dies in hospital, it is the responsibility of the hospital to arrange and pay for a funeral where either relatives can’t be traced, or can’t afford to pay for the funeral and do not qualify for the Governments Funeral Payment.
