A pauper's funeral, officially known as a public health funeral, is a service arranged by local authorities in the UK for individuals who pass away without known family or financial means to cover funeral expenses. 

These funerals are conducted with dignity, ensuring that everyone receives a respectful farewell regardless of their financial situation.

What is a pauper’s funeral?

A pauper’s funeral is a basic, no-frills service provided by local councils under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. This provision is made when no one is willing or able to take responsibility for arranging the funeral. 

The service typically includes a simple coffin, transportation of the deceased, and either a basic cremation or burial. However, there is usually no headstone or elaborate ceremony, and the service is often unattended unless family members or friends specifically request to be present.

An unattended cremation or funeral is different from a public health funeral, and allows for a celebration of life or private ceremony at a later date.  

What happens at a pauper's funeral?

Public health funerals are simple and respectful. The local authority arranges for a basic coffin and the services of a funeral director to transport the deceased to the crematorium or cemetery. The ceremony is typically brief and may not include religious elements unless requested by family members. 

There are no additional services such as flowers, memorials, or elaborate receptions. If the deceased is buried, it is often in a shared or unmarked grave, depending on local council policies.

Who can attend a pauper’s funeral?

Attendance policies vary by local authority. Some councils allow family members, friends, or members of the community to attend, while others may limit attendance, especially if the council is funding the entire process. 

If you wish to attend a pauper’s funeral, it is best to contact the relevant local authority to check their policies. In cases where a person passes away with no known next of kin, the service may proceed without attendees.

Who pays for a pauper’s funeral?

A pauper’s funeral is funded by the local council when there are no financial resources available from the deceased’s estate or family. However, if the deceased had any savings or assets, the council may seek to recover the costs. 

Additionally, if family members are known but unwilling or unable to pay, the council may still cover the costs but could later request repayment from the deceased’s estate.

How much does a pauper’s funeral cost in the UK?

For those who qualify for a public health funeral, the cost is fully covered by the local council. However, these funerals are basic and do not include extras like flowers, limousines, or personalised services. 

If a family member or friend wishes to arrange a more personal service but cannot afford the costs, financial assistance may be available through government schemes such as the Funeral Expenses Payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

What happens to the ashes after a pauper's funeral?

In the case of cremation, the handling of ashes depends on local council policies. Some councils allow family members to collect the ashes within a specific timeframe, while others may scatter them in a designated area if unclaimed. If the deceased is buried, it is usually in a public grave without a headstone, meaning multiple people may be interred in the same plot.

Under what circumstances would someone have a pauper’s funeral?

A pauper’s funeral is arranged when:

• The deceased has no known relatives or friends to organise or fund a funeral.
• The next of kin cannot afford a funeral and no alternative financial assistance is available.
• The next of kin refuses to take responsibility for funeral arrangements.
• A person passes away in hospital or care and the establishment cannot locate anyone willing or able to arrange the funeral.

Local authorities investigate each case to determine whether there are any surviving relatives or financial resources that could cover funeral costs. If no alternative arrangements can be made, the council will proceed with a public health funeral.

How to apply for a pauper's funeral

If you are aware of someone who has passed away without financial means or family support, you can notify the local council's environmental health department. 
They will assess the case and, if necessary, arrange a public health funeral. However, if the deceased had any assets, the council may use these funds to cover the costs.

Alternatives to a pauper’s funeral

For families facing financial difficulties, there are alternatives to a public health funeral:

• Funeral Expenses Payment – A government benefit for those on qualifying benefits to help cover funeral costs.
• Direct Cremation Services – Companies like Pure Cremation offer simple, low-cost cremations without a formal service, allowing families to hold a private memorial later.
• Crowdfunding – Some families turn to online fundraising platforms to cover funeral expenses.

We're here to help

Understanding the provisions and processes of pauper’s funerals ensures that every individual receives a respectful farewell, even when financial circumstances are challenging. While these funerals are basic, they provide an essential service to those who need them most. 

For those concerned about affording funeral costs, our funeral plans provide freedom to chose if you have a celebration of life, a traditional ceremony or a small private memorial.