Public Health Act Funerals

Funerals for persons where there are no family, friends, or funds to make the arrangements 

In situations where someone dies and:

• there are no family or friends prepared to arrange a funeral
• their family or friends are unable to afford a funeral

Breckland Council has a legal obligation under the provisions of the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 to make the funeral arrangements. 

The Council will arrange an unattended funeral, which is a simple cremation without service or ceremony. If the deceased had specific religious or personal wishes to be buried, a burial will be considered as an alternative.

It is important to note that whether a cremation or burial is conducted, the deceased will receive a high standard of care and will be treated with dignity.

For more information, please refer to the Council's Public Health Act Policy (PDF, 227 KB)(opens new window).

For all requests for a Public Health Act Funeral (including Norfolk Coroner Services), please contact us by emailing: privatesector.housing@breckland.gov.uk

Please note:

If family or friends are unable to afford a funeral, they may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Government to pay for a funeral they are arranging if they meet the following criteria:

• They are in receipt of certain benefits or tax credit
• They meet the rules on the relationship with the deceased
• If they are arranging a funeral in the UK, EEA or Switzerland

For more information, please visit GOV.UK - Funeral Payments (opens new window)