Public health funerals
By the provision of section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, the local authority is required to make arrangements for the burial of the dead, "where no other arrangements have been made", in the interest of public health. People who die intestate and with no next of kin typically come within this type of action.
Register of funerals arranged by WODC 2005-2024 - pdf - 97 Kb
Estates valued over £500 are referred to Bona Vacantia who also provide a register.
Financial assistance following a death
Those in need of financial assistance following a death can submit a claim to the Department for Work and Pensions in two circumstances:
Funeral payment
The partner or close relative of the deceased, if they are on a qualifying benefit, may be able to get a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund that covers costs of a basic funeral.
Bereavement payment
If the deceased died because of their job or died when under retirement age, the partner of the deceased may be able to claim a £2,000 Bereavement Payment.