Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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32
BURIAL OF THE DEAD
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes on
the Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation of any
person who dies, or is found dead, within the borough, where no suitable
private arrangements are made for the disposal of the remains.
The Council have authorised the Medical Officer of Health to make
arrangements for the burial of any person to whom the Section applies.
In the twelve months ended 31st December, 1963, the Council
became responsible for the burial of 38 persons dying in the borough.
The following is a summary of the action taken:-
(a) Cases where the funeral expenses
have been fully recovered 18
(b) Cases where part only of the
expenses has been recovered 8
(i) Number of these where balance
of expenses will be recovered 3 (amounting to
£l4.l0s.0d.)
(ii) Number of these where there was
no further estate or "liable"
relative 5
(iii) Number of these where "liable"
relatives were unable to
contribute
(c) Cases where full cost has been
borne by the Council 12
(i ) Number of these where
expenses will be recovered
(ii) Number of these where there
was no estate or "liable"
relative 5
(iii) Number of these where "liable"
relatives were unable to
contribute 7
Amount recovered by the end of the year £05. 9. 8d.
Additional amount expected to be recovered £ l4.lO. Od.
£419.19. 8d.
Irrecoverable £188.15. 4d.
Total cost £608. 5. Od.
Of the thirty-eight cases dealt with, twenty-two were eligible
for Death Grant from the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance.
The total amount recovered from this source amounted to £320. 5s • Od.
(included in the above figures).
Since the National Assistance Act came into force on 5th July,
1948, the Council have arranged for the burial of 594 persons.