Burials and buying a grave
Bedford Borough Council offers burial services at Norse Road Cemetery, Bedford.
In cemeteries run by the local authority, you may buy a grave plot usually for a period of up to 50 years. But there may be conditions attached to the purchase according to the type of grave, and whether a memorial can be placed on the grave.
Civil funerals
This ceremony provides for a range of choices about the content and style of the funeral creating a personal tribute and a celebration of life. The ceremony is appropriate for either a cremation or burial at any non-religious burial ground.
The person conducting the ceremony is a trained professional Civil Funeral Celebrant who will offer help and advice on all the options available ensuring the ceremony reflects the wishes of the deceased and their family.
For further information in relation to any of the above services contact the Superintendent Registrar on 0300 300 8089 or email life.events@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Cremation
Provision of a community funeral service. This is a low fixed price scheme that is available for all funerals where a local officer may also deal with general enquires on issues relating to bereavement.
Further information about cremations can be found on the Bedford Bereavement Care website.
Funeral costs and financial assistance
If you're on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you're arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. You might have to repay some or all of it from the estate of the person who died. More information is available on this service from the GOV.UK website.
Provision of a low-cost funeral service for citizens
A person in receipt of benefits or on low income may be entitled to get financial assistance towards the cost of the funeral.
Find out more information on getting help with funeral payments from GOV.UK website.
Funeral records
The Town Council's Offices maintain burial and cremation records for all cemeteries in the area. You may apply to search burial and cremation records.