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Public health funerals

Public health funerals

Funerals carried out by the council when there are no known relatives to the deceased, or whose relatives or friends are unwilling or unable to make the necessary arrangements.

When we step in

When someone dies it can be a very distressing time for those arranging a funeral, especially if there are concerns about how the funeral is to be paid for. The cost of a funeral is usually met through the estate of the deceased.

In some cases, a person may die without having made such arrangements, having not left the financial resources or having no relatives in a position to pay for and arrange a funeral.

We are sympathetic to those affected by funeral poverty and understands there are occasions where families have no other option than approaching the council to make arrangements for them. 

Any person who approaches us to enquire about a public health funeral will be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect and will have all the options regarding alternatives and access to benefits or other support explained to them.  

For further information please contact:

Email: integratedbusinessservices@northumberland.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01670 624 814

Our policy

Our Public Health Funeral policy (PDF) will be reviewed bi-annually or more regularly in line with local circumstances, or in the event of a pandemic or significant risk to public health.

Funeral payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

If relatives would like involvement in the funeral arrangements but are struggling with funeral costs, there may be some financial help in the form of a Funeral Payment from the DWP.  

This can help with the cost of funeral fees, and you may have to repay some of the Funeral Payment from the deceased person’s estate.    

Find out whether you are eligible and for information on how to apply on GOV.UK. You can also find further information at your local Jobcentre Plus by asking for information in relation to Funeral Payments (form SP200). 

Freedom of Information Requests

Section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act - Law Enforcement (prevention and detection of crime)

Under S31 of the Act, we will not disclose information where it relates to addresses of the deceased as this would constitute a breach of confidence. Furthermore, releasing such information would leave the property vulnerable to crime including identity fraud and hence S31 will be applied to prevent any identifying information regarding the deceased being released.

Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act- Personal Information

We also apply the exemption regarding disclosure of names under S40 of the Act. Disclosing the full name of the deceased may lead to living relatives being identified and we will therefore exempt such disclosure to protect the personal information of any living relatives.

Public Health Funerals carried out since 2021 (PDF) this document will be updated quarterly (last updated November 2024).