Estate administration
The council is entitled to cover costs when making funeral arrangements under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. They are not however empowered to administer the estate.
Where there is a surplus of over £500 and once all costs incurred in making the funeral arrangements have been reimbursed, the council will refer the case to the Treasury Solicitor under Bona Vacantia.
Where there are known family members the case cannot be referred to the Treasury Solicitor. Under such circumstances, the council will hold all monies until a legally entitled person demonstrates their suitability to administer the estate through the holding of letters of administration from the courts. Under no circumstances will money or property from the estate be given to any family member without proper lawful authority.