GB-Watford: Public Health Funerals

The purpose of this expression of interest (EOI) is to identify a Funeral operator service to provide public health service funerals on behalf of Hertfordshire District Councils. Broadly speaking the responsibility for providing funerals for individuals who pass away without any next of kin and/or adequate funds, is shared between the local council and the local hospital. More often than not referrals are made to the Council via the Coroners office and the arrangements are made for the body to be collected by a funeral director whilst a funeral is organised. The aim is to preserve the best standard of public health and hygiene in the most cost efficient manner whilst meeting the statutory obligations of this duty.

The provisions of the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 states:

"It shall be the duty of a local authority [i.e. district council] to cause to be buried or cremated the body of any person who has died or been found dead in their area, in any case where it appears to the local authority that no suitable arrangements have been or are being made otherwise than by the authority." Section 46 (1)

In brief the service required will consist of:

1.Collection of body from mortuary / coroner / property; 2.The provision of a simple coffin and gown; 3.Provision of Hearse and attendants to conduct the funeral; 4.A simple funeral at the nearest suitable and available Crematoria or cemetery within Hertfordshire 5.All necessary documentation / paperwork.

The requirement for this service cannot be quantified in detail but for information the number of Council Tax borne public health burials undertaken by Watford Borough Council in 2023/24 was 7 funerals with a total costs of £10,787. All 7 public health funerals were cremations. Other Districts may or may not have a similar profile of use and numbers may vary from year to year. Funeral arrangements are made on an ad-hoc basis. This contract is open to all Hertfordshire District Councils but some may choose not to use the contract and make their own arrangements.

This contract requirement is seen as a light touch service contract. Please review and complete the EOI attached to this notice and return if you are interested in providing this service. The current contract expires in June 2025.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.