CouncilParish funeral service
The council provides a parish funeral service in accordance with its duties under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act - 1984.
Persons without next of kin
For persons who pass away without next of kin and are unable to be provided with a funeral by any other means, the council will register the death and arrange a basic parish funeral.
The council, through the environmental health department, has the right to claim back the costs incurred for the funeral from the estate of the deceased either in full or in part.
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Persons with next of kin
In cases where the deceased has next of kin, the council also has the right to claim back the costs incurred for the funeral. If possible, expenses are recouped from the deceased’s next of kin through the environmental health department.
As the deceased’s next of kin, you may be able to get financial assistance towards the cost of organising a funeral for your relative if you receive Income Support, Family Credit, Disability Working Allowance, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
You can contact your local benefits office to get advice on financial assistance. They can either arrange an interview for you or they can send you the claim form SF200 "Assistance with funeral payments" for you to complete.
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Funeral services and costs
The council has appointed the long established firm of Taslim Kendall Funeral Directors (located at 46 Dalston Lane, Hackney, London) to provide a dignified funeral service for the residents of Tower Hamlets.
Cremation services are provided. Burials can also be arranged in accordance with the deceased's personal preference or religious beliefs.
The charges for a cremation are as follows:
- Funeral director's fees £135
- Cremation fee £91
- Doctors fees etc (if applicable) £101
- Minister fees £30
- Tower Hamlets Officer’s time at £30 per hour (max. 7 hours) £210 (max.)
- Total: £ 567
The fees for a burial are as follows:
- Funeral director's fees £135
- Burial fee £446
- Doctors fees etc (if applicable) £101
- Minister fees £30
- Tower Hamlets Officer’s time at £30 per hour (max. 7 hours) £210 (max.)
- Total: £922
All the prices quoted above were up-to-date on 6 September 2004, but these may be subject to change. Please contact us for the latest charges.
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Further information
There are no active cemeteries or crematoria in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Mile End Cemetery closed several years ago. Details of graves within Mile End Cemetery may be obtained by contacting:
The London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London EC1R 0HB
Tel: 020 7332 3820
For further help or information contact your local environmental health officer at:
Environmental Protection Service
Council Offices
Southern Grove
Mile End
London E3 4PN
Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 6831
E-mail: environmentalhealth@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Pid Nos: 329, 335, 671
