Law protects the property of individuals in particular circumstances and the council is obligated to provide the services under two acts of law.
Section 46 of the 1984 Public Health Act (Control of Diseases)
The Council has a statutory obligation to ensure that a person receives a proper burial/cremation where it appears that no suitable arrangements have been made. This usually happens when someone dies with no known blood relatives or has relatives that do not want to be involved. Referrals come from three sources, the Coroners Office, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and various care homes across the borough.
Section 48 of the 1948 National Assistance Act
Under this legislation the Council is responsible for protecting the property of vulnerable people who have been admitted into care. We ensure that properties and valuables are secured and held in a place of safety, that pets are looked after whilst the person remains in care, either in residential/nursing home or in hospital.