What is a Public Health Funeral (historically called a pauper’s funeral)?

What is a Public Health Funeral (historically called a pauper’s funeral)?

by Martin Jackson2022-09-190

What to do if you can’t afford a funeral in the UK?

Having to arrange a funeral for someone in the UK is always stressful, but that can be even more true when it’s hard or impossible to afford the expense involved. But there’s no reason to panic. Your local council or hospital can step in and provide something called a Public Health Funeral.

If you’re struggling to afford a funeral, or want to know more, then MoneyHelper (a service provided by the UK government) has a very useful guide with lots of information about how to get help paying for funeral arrangements, and about Public Health Funerals. 

What is a Public Health Funeral in the UK? 

Public Health Funerals in the UK are provided by a local council or hospital. These funerals are for those who can’t afford to pay for a funeral themselves, and when there are no relatives or friends to help out either. 

In 1984 the Public Health Act was passed. The act was created to ensure that public health and private dignity were always protected. The act recognises the dignity of the deceased, regardless of their financial position in life. 

Family members can attend Public Health Funerals, but the date and time will most often be chosen by the council or crematorium. The family will receive the cremated remains if requested. At these council-arranged funerals, there are usually no extra details like flowers, transport for the family, viewings of the deceased, or speeches.

What is a pauper’s funeral in the UK?

A ‘pauper’s funeral’ is a historic term, used to describe a free funeral provided under the UK’s Poor Law. 

In the UK, this kind of funeral is now known as a ‘Public Health Funeral’.

How to get help with funeral costs?

If you or your family are receiving benefits from the state, it is possible to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment to cover the costs for a loved one’s funeral. This payment is a loan from the UK government, which will need to be paid back once the deceased’s estate is settled. This payment covers certain basic expenses, such as:

  • A doctor’s certificate, death certificate, and other essential paperwork.
  • Burial fees for a plot, or cremation fees.
  • Transport for the deceased.
  • Travel to and from the funeral for family members.
  • Other simple expenses like flowers and a simple coffin.

You can find out more about this service via the simple guide on the UK’s official website. At Fenix Funeral Directors, we’re also here to help. Our caring advisors are always available to help you through this application process. We work with people from every background, every religion, and with every budget. Whatever you need, we are here for you, so feel free to get in touch to find out more.

What happens at a Public Health Funeral?

Local councils organise these funerals very simply. They provide a basic coffin, and work with a funeral director to store and then transport the body to the crematorium. (Public Health Funerals are almost always cremations, rather than burials.)

A few common features of Public Health Funerals are:

  • The council appoints and liaises with a funeral home.
  • The funeral home plans the funeral with the local crematorium.
  • The deceased is usually placed in a simple coffin (what used to be called a ‘pauper’s coffin’).
  • There may be a brief memorial service at the crematorium or graveside.
  • If no family or friends are present, a council member will attend to witness the service.
  • In certain instances, the family may request a burial rather than cremation (if the deceased had strong beliefs against cremation, for example).
  • The family/loved ones might be able to appoint a minister for the service, but at their own expense.

The family or loved ones may choose to hold a more personal memorial service at a later date, when they have the financial means to do so.

When is a Public Health Funeral used in the UK?

It’s common for a Public Health Funeral to be used when the person or their family/friends are unable to pay the funeral costs themselves. For example, this might happen when the deceased lived alone, without any next of kin. 

They can also be used for bodies that remain unclaimed or unidentified. For example, this might happen if the deceased was homeless, without paperwork or contact details for family or loved ones.

Who can attend a Public Health Funeral?

The council should attempt to trace family members of the deceased, and inform them of the date, location and time of the funeral service date. Family, friends and guests should be welcome to attend the funeral service at the crematorium chapel, or graveside. 

If no family or friends are available to attend the service, a council member will attend as a mark of respect, and to witness the event.

Who pays for a Public Health Funeral?

The local council authority is responsible for providing Public Health Funerals for people who die within its boundaries. The council will first try and contact any family or friends who are able to pay for the funeral service. 

If no next of kin are able to pay the funeral costs, the council will ask the family to sign a document relinquishing responsibility for the deceased. The council is then obliged to appoint a funeral director and provide a simple funeral. They are also given a time period of three years to claim back expenses from the deceased’s estate.

What is a pauper’s grave?

A ‘pauper’s grave’ is a historic term for a public gravesite that may be shared by a number of deceased people. It’s not marked with personal details of any individuals buried there. These common graves are not burial pits: the deceased are still buried with dignity, inside simple coffins.

Do you get cremation ashes after a Public Health Funeral?

You do, yes. The local council should provide these for you. But make sure they’re aware of your wishes, as they are not obliged to store ashes indefinitely.

What to do if you can’t afford a funeral in the UK?

Having to arrange a funeral for someone in the UK is always stressful, but that can be even more true when it’s hard or impossible to afford the expense involved. But there’s no reason to panic.  Your local council or hospital can step in and provide something called a Public Health Funeral.

If you’re struggling to afford a funeral, or want to know more, then MoneyHelper (a service provided by the UK government) has a very useful guide with lots of information about how to get help paying for a funeral, and about Public Health Funerals.

What is a Public Health Funeral in the UK?

A Public Health Funeral in the UK is provided by a local council or hospital. It’s for those who can’t afford to pay for a funeral themselves, and when there are no relatives or friends to help out either. 

In 1984 the Public Health Act was passed. The act was created to ensure that public health and private dignity were always protected. The act recognises the dignity of the deceased, regardless of their financial position in life. 

Family members can attend a Public Health Funeral, but the date and time will most often be chosen by the council or crematorium. The family will receive the cremated remains if requested. At these council-arranged funerals, there are usually no extra details like flowers, transport for the family, viewings of the deceased, or speeches.

What is a pauper’s funeral in the UK?

A ‘pauper’s funeral’ is a historic term, used to describe a free funeral provided under the UK’s Poor Law. 

In the UK, this kind of funeral is now known as a ‘Public Health Funeral’.

How to get help with funeral costs?

If you or your family are receiving benefits from the state, it is possible to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment to cover the costs for a loved one’s funeral. This payment is a loan from the UK government, which will need to be paid back once the deceased’s estate is settled. This payment covers certain basic expenses, such as:

  • A doctor’s certificate, death certificate, and other essential paperwork.
  • Burial fees for a plot, or cremation fees.
  • Transport for the deceased.
  • Travel to and from the funeral for family members.
  • Other simple expenses like flowers and a simple coffin.

You can find out more about this service via the simple guide on the UK’s official website. At Fenix Funeral Directors, we’re also here to help. Our caring advisors are always available to help you through this application process. We work with people from every background, every religion, and with every budget. Whatever you need, we are here for you, so feel free to get in touch to find out more.

What happens at a Public Health Funeral?

Local councils organise these funerals very simply. They provide a basic coffin, and work with a funeral director to store and then transport the body to the crematorium. (Public Health Funerals are almost always cremations, rather than burials.)

A few common features of Public Health Funerals are:

  • The council appoints and liaises with a funeral home.
  • The funeral home plans the funeral with the local crematorium.
  • The deceased is usually placed in a simple coffin (what used to be called a ‘pauper’s coffin’).
  • There may be a brief memorial service at the crematorium or graveside.
  • If no family or friends are present, a council member will attend to witness the service.
  • In certain instances, the family may request a burial rather than cremation (if the deceased had strong beliefs against cremation, for example).
  • The family/loved ones might be able to appoint a minister for the service, but at their own expense.

The family or loved ones may choose to hold a more personal memorial service at a later date, when they have the financial means to do so.

When is a Public Health Funeral used in the UK?

It’s common for a Public Health Funeral to be used when the person or their family/friends are unable to pay for a funeral themselves. For example, this might happen when the deceased lived alone, without any next of kin. 

They can also be used for bodies that remain unclaimed or unidentified. For example, this might happen if the deceased was homeless, without paperwork or contact details for family or loved ones.

Who can attend a Public Health Funeral?

The council should attempt to trace family members of the deceased, and inform them of the date, location and time of the funeral service date. Family, friends and guests should be welcome to attend the funeral service at the crematorium chapel, or graveside. 

If no family or friends are available to attend the service, a council member will attend as a mark of respect, and to witness the event.

More articles

Our reviews

We are proud to help create memorable moments for our customers, here is what they have to say..