Public Health Funerals

Under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 (legislation.gov.uk) public health funerals are provided by local authorities for people who have passed away and there is no one able, or willing, to make the necessary arrangements for a funeral. They are designed to protect public health and are important in ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances

When a person dies within the borough of Hertsmere and there is no one available to take responsibility for the funeral, Hertsmere Borough Council may arrange the funeral.

If the deceased passed away outside of Hertsmere's boundary, the funeral arrangements will be the responsibility of the local authority where they died; even if they had lived within Hertsmere.

If a person dies in hospital, then arrangements for burial or cremation are usually the responsibility of the health authority.

Freedom of Information Requests

Information regarding Public Health funerals falls within the scope of Sections 31(1) and 21 FOIA. In refusing to provide some information, the Council takes into account the provisions of Section 31(1) (a) of the Act.

Section 31(1) creates an exemption from the right to know if releasing the information would or would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime. It is the Council’s view that to disclose the details of the assets of an estate, before the Government Legal Service has completed their enquiries would provide an opportunity for criminal acts such as theft and fraud, to be committed against the estate.

To ensure we promptly deal with such requests, general details of all public health funerals, arranged by us since 1 January 2013, are provided in our Register of Public Health Funerals. As such, our response to FOI requests for information is to direct requesters to the below register.

If you are still unable to find the information you require you may submit an FOI request.

Further information:

If you require further information or guidance on requesting a Public Health Funeral you can contact Environmental Health.