deaths, burials and cremations FAQs
when should I register a death?
where should I register a death?
who is legally allowed to register a death?
what information will I need to register a death?
what happens after I have registered a death?
are there grants available to help me with funeral costs?
how do I find a funeral director?
will the council help me with funeral arrangements?
in what circumstances should I contact the council about a death?
when should I contact the council?
who do I contact if the council is closed?
if the council administers the estate what arrangements will be made?
what happens to the estate if you are unable/unwilling to make arrangements for your relative?
when should I register a death?
A death must be registered within five days, unless the case is under investigation by a Coroner.
Funerals can only be arranged once a death has been registered.
where should I register a death?
Deaths should normally be registered at the Registry Office within the district where the person passed away.
If however it would be more convenient for you to go to a different office in England or Wales, you can do this and the details will be passed to the correct office.
You will need to make an appointment for Norfolk Registry Offices. This may vary in other parts of the country.
who is legally allowed to register a death?
The following people, listed in order of preference, are legally allowed to register a death:
- A relative present at the death
- A relative present during the last illness
- A relative living in the registration district
- A person present at the death
- The occupier of the premises if aware of the death happening
- The person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)
- Others in certain circumstances
what information will I need to register a death?
You will require the following information to register a death:
- Place and date of death
- The deceased persons full names (including maiden)
- Place and date of birth
- Address
- Occupation
- Marital status
- Their spouse or civil partners name, occupation and date of birth
- Medical certificate (from doctor or Coroner)
- Details of any pension or allowances received from public funds
- NHS medical card
what happens after I have registered a death?
The Registrar will issue you the certificate which allows the funeral arrangements to be made.
A certified copy can be purchased for a small fee. Further certified copies, which may be required when dealing with the estate, may also be purchased.
are there grants available to help me with funeral costs?
Funeral payments may be available to the person arranging the funeral if they are in receipt of benefits or tax credits. For further information apply to Job Centre Plus.
how do I find a funeral director?
The choice is a personal one. You may have one recommended to you, alternatively listings can be found in the Yellow pages or on the internet.
You may find the website for the National Association of Funeral Directors useful, it offers support and advice.
will the council help me with funeral arrangements?
In certain circumstances, yes. Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 imposes the duty on a Local Authority to arrange for the burial or cremation of dead persons in their area where no suitable arrangements of the disposal of the body have been made.
in what circumstances should I contact the council about a death?
You should contact Environmental Services if your relative, friend or person in care dies within the Broadland District in the following circumstances:
- If there are no living relatives
- If relatives decline (are not willing or not able) to make the necessary arrangements
- If the deceased does not have enough funds to pay for the funeral costs
and - You have not already arranged the funeral
- If you have already instructed an undertaker then you have made a contractual arrangement with them for which you are now responsible for
when should I contact the council?
As soon as possible. Contact Environmental Services for advice before anything is done in relation to the death.
who do I contact if the council is closed?
If a death occurs out of office hours:
- Contact Gordon Barber Funeral Directors and inform them that Broadland District Council will be dealing with the case and ask them to arrange for the body to be moved
- Gordon Barber Funeral Directors, 2 St Williams Way, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 0AW
Tel: 01603 702460
- Gordon Barber Funeral Directors, 2 St Williams Way, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 0AW
- Contact Environmental Services as soon as possible
if the council administers the estate what arrangements will be made?
On receipt of notification that a person has died within the Council's administrative area we accept responsibility for the safe disposal of the body, where no person is prepared to make or has made suitable arrangements.
Arrangements will include:
- Contacting an undertaker to remove the body
- Arranging the funeral
- Settling the estate
If the wishes of the deceased are unknown, the funeral will be arranged as a cremation.
The estate is settled by finding out as much information as possible about the estate by contacting all involved parties including:
- Family
- Friends
- Utility companies
- Insurances
- Bank accounts.
Once all expenses have been paid if there s a remaining balance, relatives may make a claim, otherwise it remains with the Local Authority.
what happens to the estate if you are unable/unwilling to make arrangements for your relative?
We will ask relatives to sign a disclaimer stating that they will not make a claim on the estate until the Council's claim is settled and also ask them to name any other known relatives.
what if there is no will, the estate is insolvent and a relative entitled to the estate cannot be contacted?
We will refer the case to the Treasury Solicitor.
contact us
| Environmental Services |
|---|
| Broadland District Council Thorpe Lodge 1 Yarmouth Road Thorpe St Andrew Norwich NR7 0DU |
| tel: 01603 430644 |
| fax: 01603 430616 |
| email: environ.enforcement@broadland.gov.uk |