Arrange a public health funeral

We can arrange to bury or cremate a deceased person if no other suitable arrangements can be made.

We have a duty to bury or cremate deceased persons if no other suitable arrangements can be made, in the interests of public health.

This only applies where the death took place within Woking but not within a hospital. If the death occurs in a hospital, an application must be made to the hospital.

For details of the duty, see the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 - Legislation.gov.uk.

Find out how to register a death - Surrey County Council.

Enquire about a public health funeral

You can make an enquiry to see if you are eligible for us to arrange and pay for a basic funeral if:

  • a person dies without leaving a will and with no next of kin
  • there are no relatives or friends who are able or willing to take responsibility for the funeral arrangements

It is important to contact us as soon as possible if a burial or cremation is required. 

A public health funeral does not include flowers or a following car.

Contact us to make an initial enquiry about a public health funeral:

Telephone: 01483 755 855
Email: environmental.health@woking.gov.uk 

Financial issues

On no account should any possessions, papers or money be removed before our officers have been informed and carried out an inventory of the estate.

Any money belonging to the deceased will be used towards funeral expenses. This includes:

  • savings in a bank or building society account
  • money from insurance policies
  • money from pensions (including occupational pensions)

If we have to arrange a public funeral and there are sufficient funds left in the deceased's estate after payment of the funeral costs, an administration charge of £350 will be made to cover our time spent in handling the funeral arrangements.

If there are relatives who are on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits, they can apply for a funeral expenses payment - GOV.UK.

Where there is no next of kin and in excess of £500 left in the estate after the funeral costs have been paid, the matter will be referred to the Government Legal Department - GOV.UK.