FOI Request - Section 87 Funerals provided by the Council

Request 101003006580

I am requesting the following information in respect of the authorities statutory responsibility for funerals under Section 87 of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016. These funerals are often known as Welfare, National Assistance or Public Health Funerals.

1. I would like to know how many funerals have been arranged for residents in the last three years (full years).

2. Do you have a contract for Funerals? If so who holds that contract and when does it expire?

3. Of those cases how many have been referred to the Queens and Lord Treasurers Remembrancer if next of kin have not been traced?

4. Please give the contact address details (office address, email and phone number) for the team undertaking Funerals within the council.

5. Please give details of the web address with information on how the public contact your council should they need the council's assistance in arranging a funeral under Section 87.

6. What is your criteria for accepting a referral for a Section 87 Burial/Cremation?

7. Does your council manage client finances under a Guardianship order? If so please give contact address details (office address, email and phone number) for the team undertaking the role.

8. How many funerals have this team arranged in the past three years?

Response 14-03-2022

Questions 1, 3 and 8: This information is detailed within the 'Burial of Indigent Dead' Register which can be accessed at this link: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_86203.html This information therefore falls under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - information otherwise accessible. 

2) Moray Council does not have a current contract with a funeral director.

4) & 5) Information on Moray Council Website at:- http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_88344.html This information therefore falls under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - information otherwise accessible. 

6) The Local Authority has a duty in terms of the Burial and Cremations (Scotland) Act 2016 to ensure that funeral arrangements are made for any person who has died or been found dead in their area, where no other suitable arrangements are being made.

7)  Moray Council may manage client finances under a Guardianship order. This would be undertaken by the  Access Care Team. Details can be found at this link:   http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_77362.html This information therefore falls under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - information otherwise accessible.