There are occasions when someone dies and there are no relatives or friends to arrange a funeral. When no suitable arrangements are being made, Westmorland & Furness Council may provide assistance in the burial of the deceased person.
When does Westmorland & Furness Council arrange funerals?
Occasionally we receive referrals where individuals have died with no known next of kin, or where there may not be anyone to make funeral arrangements on their behalf. In these cases we may be requested to make funeral arrangements on behalf of the individual.
This duty falls under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 section 46(1). The act requires the Council to arrange a burial or cremation for a person who has died within the localities of Westmorland & Furness Council where no suitable funeral arrangements have been or are being made.
What service does Westmorland & Furness Council provide in the Barrow Locality*.
In these circumstances the funeral arrangements will be made with the undertakers contracted by the Council, it is therefore important that the Council is notified prior to arrangements being made with another undertaker.
The Council will arrange a basic graveside funeral service, this includes the placing of a notice in the press, however this will not include the provision of flowers or transport (other than the hearse). The funeral ceremony will be conducted as far as possible with the deceased's beliefs, with a simple service being held at Barrow cemetery.
If the deceased has left any money in a bank / building society, from an insurance policy or pensions, this will be used towards the funeral expenses. The Council may also recover funeral expenses through the sale of individuals personal belongings. We also claim £300 from the estate for officers time and attention.
In cases where there are assets that exceed the cost of the funeral, and where there are no other bills outstanding, any money left will go to the Estates Group within the Bona Vacantia (small receipts) Division of the Treasury Solicitor (Farrer & Co, London), in accordance with the rules set down by the Secretary of State. For more information and to view the Treasury Solicitor's Estates register, please follow this link Bona Vacantia.
Which funerals have we arranged?
A list of public health funerals carried out by Westmorland & Furness Council is available by contacting Freedom of Information and submitting a request. foi@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
This list contains the individuals date of death, age, gender, confirmation of burial, funeral cost and whether the case was referred to the Treasury Solicitor. This list does not contain the individuals first name, surname, date of birth or last known address. This information is withheld to prevent crime and fraud.
Should you wish to further discuss Public Health Funerals within the locality of Barrow, please contact Public Protection Services on 01229 876543.
Environmental Protection Section,
Public Protection Services,
Westmorland & Furness Council,
Town Hall,
Duke Street,
Barrow-in-Furness,
Cumbria LA14 2LD.
Email: environment@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
*Barrow Borough Council ceased on 1st April 2023 and Westmorland & Furness Council is now reviewing the public health burial process.