Property search
Prior to making the funeral arrangements we (minimum two officers) will search the last known address of the deceased.
The purpose of the search is to find a will, evidence of family or friends, and to find any items that may be used to offset the funeral costs. This may include removing personal possessions from the property, including address books, correspondence, legal documents, financial paperwork and possessions such as jewellery that may be sold to raise money.
An inventory of any items removed from the property will be created with those items retained securely by the council for a minimum of three months.
The council are not routinely responsible for clearing or cleaning the property this will be the responsibility of the landlord or where appropriate, family members.
Following the completion of the search, the property will be secured, and the keys returned to the landlord if rented. If the property was owned by the deceased, the case will be referred to the Treasury Solicitors and then any instructions regarding the property will be followed. This will only be referred if there is no living relative or executor of a will.