We have a statutory duty under the provisions of Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to:
Undertake the disposal of deceased persons who die in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Arrange a cremation or burial for said persons where no other arrangements have been made
We cannot become involved if:
Funeral arrangements have already been made
The funeral has taken place
Anyone giving instructions to a funeral director is responsible for any costs incurred until such time as the deceased is taken into the care of Kingston Council.
If relatives are unable to pay for the funeral, a funeral payment contribution is available from Jobcentre Plus for those on income related qualifying benefits. (DWP Form SF200). You can find out how to claim on the Government website.
If there are relatives who are not prepared or able to accept responsibility for the funeral arrangements, then we have a duty to dispose of a deceased person and to recover their costs in making the arrangements from the deceased's estate. Payment of funeral expenses has lawful priority when disposing of a deceased's estate.
Assets recovered from a deceased person's property may be sold to assist in the funding of the funeral arrangements. An Executor has legal responsibility for the settlement of funeral expenses and we cannot become involved in the funeral arrangements unless the executor has renounced their duty by signing the Deed of Renunciation and their appointment as Executor is then cancelled.
Public health funeral staff have statutory authorisation to enter a property, under the provisions of section 61(1)(d) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, to ascertain the extent of the estate and to remove any items or assets which may assist in funding the funeral. Generally, after the funeral costs and administration charges have been deducted, any funds, in excess of £500, remaining from a deceased person's estate will be forwarded to the Treasury Solicitor.
We will arrange a cremation and the cremated remains will be strewn in the Garden of Remembrance at Kingston Crematorium unless:
It is established that the religion of the deceased forbids cremation
The deceased expressed a wish, either verbally or written, to be buried
An Exclusive Right of Burial Title Deed exists in the deceased’s name and there is burial space available within the specified grave
In exceptional circumstances, we may give the cremated remains into the care of a close family member or re-unite them with the remains of a previously deceased close family member.
We will arrange for a minister of religion or a religious representative of the faith of the deceased to conduct the service in accordance with that faith. If a non-religious service is appropriate, then this will be respected.
Our funeral director will provide a dignified funeral with a coffin taken to the crematorium or cemetery in a hearse attended by bearers. We will provide a bouquet of flowers on the coffin.
Please note: if you are in any doubt as to who is responsible for making funeral arrangements please contact our Registration, Nationality and Bereavement Liaison Officer at registrars@kingston.gov.uk