Funerals for the indigent

[Lootman]

The father of a friend of one of my kids just died. Neither he nor his surviving wife has any funds or assets, and the remaining family are of course worried about the cost of any funeral.

I am considering helping them out. But I recall, albeit from decades ago, that local authorities will cover the cost of a basic funeral for indigent people. If only because they do not want corpses piling up wherever and being a public health risk.

The family told me that such provisions no longer exist. DAK if this is true?

[gryffron]

Yeah but, no but.

The council have ultimate responsibility, but the family will get virtually no choice or support.

https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/help-res ... -explained

Under the terms of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, it is the council’s duty to take care of the final disposition – the cremation or burial – of people who die, or are found dead within their boundary, if no-one else will take responsibility.

More advice in the link.

Gryff

[pochisoldi]

A Google for "Manchester city council indigent funerals" gave me:
https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/2 ... l_advice/5

Try a similar search for the appropriate local council...

[Dod101]

I assume no military connection or service? If there are no relatives found, the local authority will arrange (very reluctantly) a 'pauper's funeral'.

You mean that the 'remaining family' cannot find the funds or will not find them?

Dod

[Grumpsimus]

One point that has been missed in this dicussion is that it depends where the deceased died.

If they died in hospital, it is the hospital that pays for the burial. If they died elsewhere the Local Authority is responsible. They will both make extensive enquires reguarding the financial circumstances of the deceased.

I assume somebody has looked into wether the wife could could be eligible for Breavement Support Payment, which could be enough to pay for a basic funeral.

[didds]

also ISTR that such "paupers funerals" are eg done at a very quiet, non open time at a crematorium eg 0600 (dont think they inter any longer?) so if the family were hoping to attend a funeral at the state's expanse thay may be sadly mistaken.


I am more than happy to be wrong

[gryffron]

also ISTR that such "paupers funerals" are eg done at a very quiet, non open time at a crematorium eg 0600 (dont think they inter any longer?) so if the family were hoping to attend a funeral at the state's expanse thay may be sadly mistaken.

I think it depends a lot on the local council. Some, like the Manchester example quoted above, will let you do your own thing within their budget. Others may have a deal with single providers, standardised services, the local crem, etc, and may provide very little choice for the family.

All councils are required to provide something. But may not provide something the family want.

Gryff

[Stompa]

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/famil ... -a-funeral

I encountered one funeral a while ago where a Justgiving page was set up to help fund it.

https://www.justgiving.com/discover/in-memory

[Sunnypad]

One point that has been missed in this dicussion is that it depends where the deceased died.

If they died in hospital, it is the hospital that pays for the burial. If they died elsewhere the Local Authority is responsible. They will both make extensive enquires reguarding the financial circumstances of the deceased.

I'm really surprised to hear this. My father was a hospital doctor and my understanding was the council had to pay in this situation.