Births, marriages, deaths and nationality Funeral advice

Help if there's no-one to make funeral arrangements

A Public Health Funeral, also known as a Welfare Funeral, is arranged under the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 Section 46. Local authorities arrange funerals for those who die without anyone willing or able to make the arrangements. We will ensure the funeral is appropriate and arranged in the same way as any other funeral – treating it with dignity and respect.

We have a contract with a local funeral director and so it is important that we are contacted before any funeral arrangements are made. If any arrangements are made with another undertaker then any costs incurred will fall to the applicant. 

Contact us by email: client.financial.services@manchester.gov.uk

or call us on 0161 234 3871 or 0161 234 3932

If a relative is on benefits 

If the relative arranging the funeral is on an income-related benefit, they can seek help from the Department for Work and Pensions.

If death takes place in hospital

If death took place in hospital then the applicant should contact the Bereavement Officer at the relevant hospital who will be able to offer advice. Contact numbers are:  

Wythenshawe Hospital – 0161 291 2360

Manchester Royal Infirmary – 0161 276 8989

The Christie – 0161 446 3898

North Manchester General Hospital – 0161 720 2161 / 720 2199

Other useful telephone numbers

Coroner’s Office – 0161  219 2222

Register Office – 0161 234 5005

Read more about Public Health funerals.

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