If you have a medical certificate and it is for religious reasons, then the funeral director or a council approved Licensee will normally liaise with the Register Office and Henley Road Cemetery.
Funeral directors will make all the necessary arrangements for the funeral including the collection of the body. It is important to find a funeral director who belongs to one of the professional associations, such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), as these associations have codes of practice and complaints procedures.
Although a funeral director usually organises the majority of funerals, some people prefer to organise the funeral themselves. Organising the funeral yourself can be a rewarding experience adding a personal tribute. Please contact us at cem.crem@reading.gov.uk for more information.
Once you have made arrangements with the funeral director you are responsible for the costs. Ask to see a price list and an estimate of costs before you agree to the arrangements.
For those on a limited income and in receipt of certain benefits there is help from the government.