Public health burials

Under the Public Health Act 1984 we have a responsibility to arrange a funeral for anyone who dies in the district (excluding if they die in hospital) when no other suitable arrangements can be made. This usually means:

• no relatives can be found, or
• there are no relatives able to make arrangements

What happens at a public health burial

We will arrange a simple, dignified funeral. In most cases, this is a cremation at Herne Bay Cemetery and cannot be attended.

We will arrange a burial at a local cemetery if there is a specific request or cultural need.

There will be no ceremony, cars or flowers and no opportunity for a headstone for any burial.

If any funeral arrangements have already been made, such as instructions to a funeral director, we can’t take over the funeral or part fund it. You may be able to get help with funeral costs if you're on a low income and claiming certain benefits.

How we reclaim burial costs

If no relatives are able to make funeral arrangements, the nearest surviving relative will need to sign a form to agree that we can arrange the funeral and recover costs from the estate of the person who has died. We will need access to bank accounts, insurance policies and belongings.

If the person didn't leave a will and there is no known next of kin, we will refer estates with money over £500 (minus our costs) to the Treasury Solicitor.

What happens after a public health burial

After a cremation, if you're a family member or interested person, you can ask that the ashes are kept for collection. 

You can then arrange your own service or ask for them to be scattered in the garden of remembrance where you can pay your respects.

To find out more about public health burials, please contact our environmental health team.