Data about Public Health Act funerals
In accordance with Decision Notices FS50584670 and FS50583220 issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) the Council does not publish the personal details of the deceased relating to Public Health Funerals.
The Council applies an exemption under Section 31(1)(a) FOIA (law enforcement - prevention and detection of crime).
When tracing relatives it may take several months to complete our enquiries.
During this time the property of the deceased can remain unoccupied and fully furnished with all their household possessions, papers and personal effects.
Even when relatives have been found a property can remain unoccupied for a considerable time afterwards. Disclosing this information to the public would leave the property vulnerable to crime; including anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, arson, identity fraud and the crimes that can be committed using false documents.
However, the Council recognises that there is a public interest in understanding the volume of Public Health Funerals and the impact upon the Council’s resources.