09 February 2012The council has a legal duty under the provisions of Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to undertake the funeral arrangements of a deceased person, either by cremation or burial, where no other arrangements have been made.
The Council can only provide this service if the death took place within the Sevenoaks District and not within a hospital, if the death occurs in a hospital an application must be made through the hospital itself.
If a person dies and there are no relatives or friends, an application can be made to the Council to arrange and fund a basic funeral. The basic funeral will not include flowers or a following car, however advice will be given on these and other arrangements.
Any money belonging to the deceased, such as savings in a bank or building society account, money from insurance policies or pensions, including occupational pensions, will be used to reimburse the Council for all incurred costs and expenses.
An estate which is valued in excess of £500 will then be forwarded to the Treasury Solicitor.
Relatives not able to arrange a funeral
If there are relatives who are not prepared or able to undertake responsibility for the funeral arrangements, then the Council has a duty to arrange the funeral of a deceased person and can then recover their costs in making the arrangements.
The nearest family member will be required to sign a disclaimer, acknowledging and agreeing that the Council will collect any funds which become available to offset their costs in undertaking the funeral arrangements.
If there are relatives who are on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits, then payment for the funeral can be made by applying for a ‘Funeral Payment’ from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If there are relatives, as next of kin they should undertake the funeral without the Council's involvement.
For more information please contact Private Sector Housing.
