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Decision details

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT PUBLIC HEALTH FUNERALS

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

 

(1)   Adopted the Policy as presented. Please note that this format has been adopted as this document is made available to our residents to help them through the requirements necessary to arrange a funeral should they need to.

 

(2)   Noted that under the provisions of section 46 of the Act, each local authority has the responsibility to make necessary funeral arrangements for anybody who dies in their district where no other suitable arrangements are being or are likely to be made. This policy sets out how the Council will deliver this duty and outlines the limitations of this obligation.

 

(3)   Noted what measures will be followed to try to locate a will, identify relatives who may wish to arrange the funeral and identify anything of value to try to offset funeral costs. The policy also confirms that should the Council arrange the funeral, we will provide a simple but dignified service administered by a minister, a representative of another faith or a civil funeral celebrant as well as permitting friends and family to attend the service.

 

(4)   Delegated future amendments of this Policy to the Director – Regulatory in consultation with the Executive Member for Regulatory in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Constitution.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The reason for recommending the approval of this Policy is to enable the Council to clearly state how it intends to meet its obligations under the Act, whilst putting in place limitations against the unreasonable use of public funds and to protect the reputation of the Council and the officers involved.

Publication date: 15/04/2026

Date of decision: 14/04/2026

Decided at meeting: 14/04/2026 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents: