Public health funerals: good practice guidance
Non-statutory guidance for local authorities in England and Wales on public health funerals.
Applies to England and Wales
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Public health funerals are provided by local authorities for people who have passed away and have no next of kin, or whose next of kin, relatives or friends are unable or unwilling to make the necessary arrangements for a funeral. They are designed to protect public health and are important in ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 places a statutory duty on local authorities to arrange for a burial or cremation where no suitable alternative arrangements are being made. However, the Act does not define how local authorities should carry out this duty – meaning there is considerable flexibility in how these funerals are delivered.
This non-statutory guidance has been developed following feedback from some local authorities that they would value information on good practice and suggested guidelines which they can draw upon to inform their local policies. While local differences mean that not all sections will apply to all local authorities, it is important that all arrangements for public health funerals are delivered respectfully and with care.