What we do when arranging for a public health funeral
We will try to identify, with the help of genealogist, whether there are any family members who may wish to make their own arrangements for the deceased.
If no-one is identified or have indicated that they will not make these arrangements, we will make the necessary arrangements.
Once it is confirmed that the funeral shall be a public health funeral, the Council shall make the funeral arrangements as soon as possible, ideally within four weeks.
Once the Council has accepted responsibility for arranging the funeral we will deal with all aspects of the organisation of the funeral.
This includes:
- registering the death if the next of kin is unable to do so
- making arrangements for the services of a local funeral director to collect the deceased
- make the arrangements for the public health funeral and arranging the payment
Our contracted funeral directors will provide everything necessary for a simple but dignified committal. This includes:
- including coffin,
- transport of the deceased to the Crematorium or Cemetery in a hearse
We are not able to arrange for the body to be viewed. Any requests received from relatives or other interested parties incurring additional cost will not be granted. Ashes will be:
- placed in a suitable container
- provided on request without charge
If the beliefs of the deceased are known, or they are known to be involved in a faith community or group that organisation may be contacted as they may support efforts to locate the next of kin and provide guidance. This will enable us to be aware of religious or individual preferences, and where beliefs or preferences identify that a burial is what is required, we will arrange for a burial where we are able to do so.
A cremation service will normally be held at Southend Crematorium, unless it is established that the deceased would have chosen burial for religious, cultural or personal reasons.
If a burial is required and the deceased did not own a grave, burial will take place in a public grave within a Southend-on-Sea City Cemetery.
Where there is to be a service, our funeral director will arrange for a:
- minister of religion or
- a representative of the faith of the deceased to lead the service
If a non-religious service is appropriate, a civil funeral celebrant will be used. The family and /or friends may be asked to select the music to be played at this service.
Where you have expressed a wish to attend you will be provided with details of the funeral so you may attend the funeral service to pay your respects should you wish to do so. They will where possible, be arranged within four weeks of the Council accepting a Public Health Funeral. Those who have advised that they wish to attend a service will where possible be given 3 working day's notice of the date and time of the service. The service will be simple and unfortunately it will not be possible to offer alternative venues or to change the date and time when the service will be held. We will usually attend the funeral where it is possible to do so.
We will arrange for a cremation or burial. Family and friends may wish to attend the funeral.
Following the cremation, the cremated remains can be interred without witness in the Gardens of Remembrance at Sutton Road Crematorium, two weeks after the service. Family members or friends can attend the internment if they wish to do so.
The next of kin may:
- collect the ashes or
- give them into the care of a close family member or friend with their permission
There is no charge for this.