Assisted Burials

The Council has a duty to arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of any person found dead in its area where it appears that no other suitable arrangements will be made for the disposal of the deceased. The Council is usually called upon where people have died without family or friends to make the necessary arrangements. The costs incurred may be claimed from the deceased estate.

• Private burials on land other than a recognised burial ground or cemetery, such as a domestic garden, are possible providing certain procedures are followed. Contact this office for further information and guidance.
• For those interested in Woodland Burials etc. the The Natural Death Centre website (external link) may be of interest.
• Exhumations - permission is required from the Home Office (external link)or the Diocese if the remains are to be reinterred in the same church graveyard. As a first step it is advisable to contact your local funeral director (external link).
• OFT's consumers Guide to Funerals (external link). This provides general information on procedures for dealing with deaths and the arrangements after a death.
• The Department for Work and Pensions (external link) provides a guide to what to do and the help you can get after a death.