How to Arrange a low-cost cremation funeral

How to arrange and manage a low-cost direct cremation funeral?

This page covers everything you need to know to arrange a low-cost funeral.
By each relevant section, there are direct links to relevant Government departments covering every aspect to make your task as simple as possible.

What do you need to register a death?

You must take the medical certificate showing the cause of death with you.

You should also bring the deceased’s:

Birth Certificate
NHS Medical Card
Proof of address, like a utility bill
Council tax bill
Driving licence or passport
Marriage or civil partnership certificate

Don’t worry if you can’t find all these documents – you will still be able to register the death without them. The registrar will also want to know :

The deceased’s full name (at the time of their death)
Any other names that the deceased used (e.g. a maiden name)
Their place and date of birth, including the town and county if they were born in the UK, or just the country if they were born abroad.
Their occupation or last occupation if now retired
The full name of their husband, wife or civil partner
Details of any state pension or other state benefit they were receiving

How to register a death?

UK Government has changed the rules during the Coronavirus lockdown

It is currently not necessary to physically visit the Register Office in person. The various documents may be scanned and sent electronically.

Or visit your local England or Wales Register Office

Visit the Government website.

Or visit your local Scottish Register Office

Visit the Government website.

Who can register a death?

If the death occurred inside a house or public building such as a hospital, the following people may register the death :

If the death took place elsewhere, the following list of people may register the death :

A relative
Someone who was present at the death
The occupier of the house or an official from the public building where the death occurs, e.g. the hospital
The person who is in charge of the body
A funeral director is not allowed to register the death