§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements exist in Scotland and in England 538W and Wales regarding burial costs where the deceased person has no next of kin or does not qualify for a death grant and if he considers that these arrangements are working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. DeakinsLocal authorities in Scotland, as well as in England and Wales, have a duty under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act 1948 to arrange for the burial or the cremation of any person who has died in their area where no other suitable arrangements are made. Central Government Departments do not monitor the working of these arrangements.
Paragraphs 105–107 of the Supplementary Benefit Handbook explain the circumstances in which the Supplementary Benefit Commission may give assistance with funeral expenses. I have no reason to believe that these provisions are not working satisfactorily.