Pauper's funerals

The Council can provide assistance to bury or cremate deceased persons if no other suitable arrangements can be made.

• We can only provide this service if the death took place within Woking Borough and not within a hospital. If the death occurs in a hospital, an application must be made to the hospital.
• If a person dies and there are no relatives or friends, or there is not enough money to pay for the service, an application can be made to the Council to arrange for a basic funeral and to meet the costs of the service.
• It is important to contact the Council as soon as possible if an assisted burial or cremation is required. On no account should any possessions or money be removed before officers of Council have been informed and carried out an inventory of the estate. 
• The basic funeral will not include flowers or a following car; advice can be given on these and other arrangements.
• Any money belonging to the deceased, such as savings in a bank or building society account, money from insurance policies or pensions including occupational pensions, will be used towards funeral expenses.