Tower Hamlets burial subsidy

As there are no burial facilities within the borough, Tower Hamlets Council has launched an innovative burial subsidy scheme, which will contribute towards the burial expenses of the borough's residents.

The pilot scheme, the first of its kind within the UK, was introduced on 1 August 2008.

In the first instance, the scheme will be delivered in partnership with The City of London Cemetery, Wanstead and Gardens of Peace Cemetery, Hainault.

Any Tower Hamlets resident who has passed away and is interred within either cemetery will qualify for a payment of £225.00 towards the cost of their burial expenses. This is payable after the funeral takes place.

The scheme will be monitored closely with a view to future development and improvement, giving more freedom of choice to families at this sad time.

This service is offered for burials only at this stage, as research has indicated that whilst cremations are set at a standard rate, burials in any cemetery located outside the borough where the deceased was a resident are charged at a higher rate.

This scheme will be launched and administered by Tower Hamlets registration service which is based at Bromley Public Hall.

Who can claim this subsidy?

In order to qualify for the £225 contribution, the person responsible for the payment of the burial expenses for a Tower Hamlets resident must contact the registration service for an application form. The person responsible for the burial expenses does not need to be a resident of the borough.

In the case of a resident who has passed away within the borough an application may be made at the time of registration. Alternatively, an application can be submitted at a later date.

Once the completed application form has been received with relevant documentation (see below) a payment will be made directly to the applicant.

Information/documentation required on behalf of the deceased:

• Confirmation of electoral roll registration and/or council tax registration
  If these documents are unavailable, then we accept TWO of the following documents:
• Tenancy agreement
• Mortgage details
• Medical card
• Driving licence
• A recent bank statement (within 3 months prior to the death)
• A recent utility bill (within 3 months prior to the death)
• Death certificate (if registered outside the borough).

Documentation required from the applicant:

• Proof of identification: passport or driving licence
• Undertakers invoice & receipt (this includes confirmation of burial in either of the cemeteries)

Only original documents will be accepted. Once you have completed the application form and collated the necessary documents, please contact the register office so that we can book you an appointment and process your application.

Your documents will be photocopied and given back to you on the day of your appointment. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH THE POST.

For further information regarding the scheme or to obtain an application form please contact:

The Register Office
Bromley Public Hall
Bow Road
London E3 3AA
Tel: 020 7364 7880
Email: register.office@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Alternatively, you may download the application form (pdf 21k)

Burial subsidy leaflet (pdf 100k)

For free translation of this information phone:
Newham translation service: 020 8430 6921
Monday - Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm