Northern Ireland to Review Pauper Funeral Policy
The Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in Northern Ireland is reviewing its policy on public health burials, formerly known as pauper funerals. The review comes after a rise in the costs of burials and demand for the service.
In 2022, the council delivered four public health burials, at a cost of £850 each. The council does not recover the costs of these burials, and the report stated that “no costs have been recovered to date.”
The review will look at how to ensure the dignity of the deceased and minimize the cost to the council. The council is also considering whether to change the name of the service from “public health burial” to “indigent burial.”
The review is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Background
Pauper funerals are a type of funeral that is provided for people who have no family or friends to arrange their funeral. The cost of the funeral is typically paid for by the local authority.
In Northern Ireland, the average cost of a funeral is £3,317. This means that pauper funerals are a relatively inexpensive way to bury or cremate a loved one.
The Review
The review of the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s pauper funeral policy will consider a number of factors, including:
- The cost of burials
- The demand for the service
- The dignity of the deceased
- The cost to the council
The council is also considering whether to change the name of the service from “public health burial” to “indigent burial.”
The Impact of the Review
The outcome of the review could have a significant impact on people who need to use the pauper funeral service. If the costs of the service are increased, it could make it more difficult for people to afford a funeral.
However, if the council is able to find ways to reduce the costs of the service, it could make it more affordable for people who need it.
The review is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. In the meantime, people who need to use the pauper funeral service should contact their local authority for more information.