Paupers Burials

By the provision of the National Assistance Act 1948, 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.

In practice 'Paupers' or 'Parish burials' relate to tramps and destitute people, but increasingly single people living on state benefit, with no relatives (or none who wish to pay for a funeral) come within this type of action.

Persons on income support or benefit can claim full funeral expenses for another person from the DSS Social Fund, but DSS currently refuse to pay if the deceased has received support and the person making the arrangements has not.

Contact Us:

Telephone: 01228 817559
Online Form: Online Enquiry
Email: Environmentalquality@carlisle.gov.uk
Letter:

Environmental Quality Services
Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre
Carlisle
CA3 8QG

Alternatively you can visit us at the Civic Centre (preferably by prior appointment)