When someone dies and there is no known next of kin, we have a responsibility under the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 to make arrangements for the remains to be buried or cremated. These are sometimes referred to as public health funerals. We have powers to recover the cost of the funeral from the estate of the deceased.
If you require further information or to discuss individual cases, then please contact Environmental Health
If the deceased's family want to arrange the funeral but cannot afford to pay they should contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP can pay a funeral payment to qualifying applicants, for example the partner, close relative or friend of the deceased, if they are on qualifying benefits or tax credits.
Updated every 2-3 months, last updated 25/09/2024