What we do to help to reclaim the costs
Before making the funeral arrangements, we may enter the last known address of the deceased. This is carried out by at least two officers and a written record will be made of each item removed from the property.
Whilst there is no legal requirement for us to locate the next of kin, we will make reasonable efforts to do so. This is done so that we can:
- inform the bereaved that their relative has passed away
- provide families with the option of organising the funeral themselves, giving them autonomy over the funeral arrangements
- understand the deceased's personal wishes - in relation to religion or beliefs in determining whether we should arrange for a burial or a cremation
To trace family and friends, we may:
- contact the deceased's previous employer
- review contacts in an address book or mobile phone contacts
- talk to neighbours
- work with a genealogist
- review telephone bills
- review correspondence found in the deceased's property
This activity will focus on:
- finding a will
- locating evidence of family or friends
- identifying any items that may be used to offset the funeral costs
For more information visit our what do we do if a will is found page.
We will attempt to recover expenses for all public health funerals. If the deceased had a family, the nearest surviving relative will be asked to sign a form. This will:
- state that they are willing for us to make the funeral arrangements, and
- they will be advised that the costs will be recovered from the deceased's estate
As a result, the individual will not be able to access any of the deceased's assets.
We may need to remove personal possessions from the property, including:
- address books
- correspondence
- legal documents
- financial paperwork
- possessions such as jewellery that may be sold to fund the funeral
Any items removed from the property, and not used to raise money for the funeral will be retained under secure conditions for a minimum of 12 months following the funeral. After this period they will be disposed of.
We can use any money belonging to the deceased to reimburse us for all incurred costs and expenses. Examples include:
- savings
- insurance policies
- pensions
- items of value
The costs will include:
- the time spent trying to contact family members
- dealing with the person's effects
- arranging and carrying out the funeral
Where the deceased has ownership of a property, a charge will be put on the property. This is so that costs can be reclaimed when the property is eventually sold.
Where a child or minor is the only known next of kin, we will liaise with the child through the social worker. This is to make sure that there is a support network who are aware and can:
- help the child
- discuss the funeral arrangements (if appropriate)
If the family have already removed any possessions from where the deceased lived, these may need to be returned to us to help offset the funeral costs. If you are a landlord, you should not enter or remove any items from the deceased's accommodation until after the house search has taken place.
We are not responsible for clearing or cleaning the property. Following the completion of the search:
- the property will be secured
- the keys returned to the landlord
If the property was owned by the deceased, the case will be referred to the Treasury Solicitors. Their instructions regarding the property will be followed, unless there is:
- a living relative
- an executor
- a Will
There are not always sufficient assets available to cover the cost to the council.