When someone passes

Registering a death

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most painful things most of us will face. There are however certain people and organisations that need to be told and specific documents and practical arrangements that need to be completed.

When someone dies in Birmingham, you need to register their death with the Birmingham Register Office (opens in new window).

Registering a death is free and must be registered in the city where it occurred. You can find all the information you need on the Birmingham City Council website (opens in new window).

Bereavement Advice Centre (opens in new window) supports and advises people on what they need to do after a death.

The Bereavement Register (opens in new window) is a free service to remove the name and address of someone who has passed from mailing lists to prevent junk mail.

Funerals

When there is no one else willing or able, to arrange funerals, Birmingham City Council Directorate for Adult Social Care can arrange a sensitive funeral for those people who die within the city boundaries. 

Where the deceased has no estate, a simple funeral is provided by the Council within the city boundary. Friends, family and carers will be advised of the date, time and place so that they can attend. Where the deceased has left sufficient fund, a private funeral will be arranged, following the deceased's wishes or those of family, carers or friends.

All funeral arrangements will be conducted in accordance with the known wishes of the deceased person and we will respect their religious and cultural background. Support and advice is also available for people who have not experienced bereavement before or feel that they may need help with arranging a funeral.

As the services we offer are wide ranging, anyone seeking help or advice can approach the section and receive the benefit of our experience in this sensitive area of work. You can find out more on the Birmingham City Council website here.

Birmingham Council funerals are arranged  under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

Protection of Property

When there is no one else willing or able, to arrange temporary protection of property, Birmingham City Council Directorate for Adult Social Care can arrange for property to be protected.

Where property appears to be in danger of damage or loss for persons admitted to hospitals or of persons unable to devote to themselves proper care and attention, and who are moved to another suitable place by Order of the Court (Mental Health Act) or assessed by the Local Authority as in need of care and placed in a Local Authority Home or the Probate Section, the Council can act to safeguard property.

Anyone seeking help or advice can approach the section and receive the benefit of our experience in this sensitive area of work. You can find out more about this service on the Birmingham City Council Website here.

Birmingham Council protection of property are arranged  under Section 48 Section 48  National Assistance Act 1948. 

 Useful Contacts

Birmingham City Council Funerals and Protection of Property
Phone: 0121 675 7129
Fax:      0121 303 8456
Email: funerals.and.protection.of.property@birmingham.gov.uk