Public Health Funerals
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Public Health Funerals
(Previously known as "Pauper's Funerals")
You may have heard the term "pauper's funeral" or "pauper's burial". While these phrases are still commonly used, they are outdated and are no longer the official terms.
Today, these funerals are known as Public Health Funerals.
A Public Health Funeral is arranged by the local council when someone dies and there is no one willing or able to arrange and pay for their funeral. This may happen if the deceased has no known relatives, if family members cannot be traced, or if there is simply no one in a position to take responsibility for the funeral arrangements.
Each case is considered individually, and the council will usually make reasonable efforts to identify and contact any next of kin before making arrangements.
Under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, local authorities have a legal duty to arrange a funeral in these circumstances.
This ensures that everyone can receive a funeral, regardless of their financial circumstances or whether family members are available to arrange one.
Although these funerals are arranged by the local council, every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their financial circumstances or family situation.
The exact arrangements may vary between local authorities, but the aim is always to provide a respectful and dignified funeral.