Funeral Fund

There has been a year-on-year increase in the number and cost of Public Health Act funerals across the UK, (costs have risen significantly for Local Authorities with the amount spent on Public Health Funerals rising to almost £5.4m in 2017/18)*. If this trend continues it is difficult to see how local authorities can continue to fund funerals from ever diminishing budgets.

* https://www.royallondon.com/media/press-releases/2019/january/government-cuts-forced-more-bereaved-families-into-poverty/

How can the funeral fund subsidy help?


Local Authorities or NHS trusts can now ask Finders International for a funeral fund subsidy payment towards the cost of Public Health Act (PHA) funerals. These will be cases where there genuinely are no known next of kin (rather than next of kin simply refusing to pay) and Finders will carry out research to confirm this.

For more information or to apply for a subsidy, simply contact us at [email protected] or call Freephone 0800 085 8796

At Finders International giving back to the community is an important part of our ethos and culture as an ethical organisation. This is why we have decided to establish the Finders International Funeral Fund to help with funeral costs of certain deceased individuals.


” This is the first time I was made aware of this charitable fund – so far, it has been a simple and speedy application process.

I manager the mortuary service for our Trust. I work closely with our bereavement services to identify patients that unfortunately pass away without either family, friends or during financial hardship. I manage the budget and approve the funerals for those individuals that fall within the need of this service.

The funeral costs covered by Finders International’s funeral fund, helps support others that require this service. Funds that are returned to the budget ensure we can continue to offer a dignified funeral to all, maintaining equality and demonstrating the fundamental values in care after death.”
– UK Hospital

Q&A

Unfortunately no. The FIFF is only available where Finders have proven there are no next of kin.

Unfortunately no. The FIFF is only available where Finders have proven there are no next of kin.

Unfortunately no. The FIFF is only available where Finders have proven there are no next of kin.

A Local Authority/NHS Trust can apply for a subsidy payment from the FIFF in cases where Finders have confirmed that there are no next of kin who are entitled to deal with the funeral/estate. On receipt of an application for a subsidy, Finders International will assess each case on its merits and decide whether to grant a payment, which could be to fund the funeral completely or partially. All applicants who are eligible will receive a response and decision within 28 days whenever possible. The payment will be made by cheque or BACS to the Local Authority/NHS Trust’s preferred account.

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