An interactive flipbook to help in a confusing and difficult time this guide provides simple, clear advice on what is required by the council in order to make the process as smooth as possible after a bereavement. There are also useful details of local venues for wakes and post funeral gatherings, house clearance services, florists, burial sites, funeral directors and other relevant services in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
A Guide to Registering a Death
THE ORANGERY, HOLLAND PARK A hidden gem, located in one of London’s most beautiful parks
VENUES STEEPED IN CHARACTER, HISTORY AND CHARM
CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL An award-winning events venue located on the iconic Kings Road
Honour the memory of someone special in our charming venues. Whether you’re planning an intimate farewell or a larger celebration of life, we offer comfortable spaces, and a dedicated events team to guide you every step of the way.
020 7361 2220 venues@rbkc.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk/venues
Images courtesy of The Kensington Photographer, Nicole John, Nigel John
We understand that the death of a loved one is a very difficult time and immediately following the death there are a number of arrangements you will have to make. The information contained in this brochure will help to guide you through the different things that you will need to do.
A Guide to Registering a Death 3
4 A Guide to Registering a Death
How to register a death in Kensington and Chelsea A death should be registered
• If you live in another district, you can attend your local register office to make a legal declaration. This is a slower process and you will have to wait a few days for the paperwork to be issued. Who can register? You can register if you are: • a close relative. • someone present at the death. • making the arrangements with the funeral directors. • personal representative of the deceased.
within five calendar days from the Registrar receiving notification from the Medical Examiner or Coroner. How do I register? • Deaths occurring in Kensington and Chelsea are usually registered at the Kensington and Chelsea Register Office by appointment only. • You will need to register the death in person at the Register Office. • Visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars
to see the most up to date guidance on how to register.
• You can book an appointment online by visiting our website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars .
A Guide to Registering a Death 5
J. W. Tate & Sons A DIGNITY FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Proudly serving our community for over 130 years For generations, we've been a trusted service for local families. We're proud to set the standards for the best in funeral care. Burials • Cremations • Memorials
Kensington | 020 3993 3439 High Street, W8 6NA
DIGNITY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Bayswater | 020 3991 1264 83 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UL
Proud to be a Dignity Funeral Director
Fulham | 020 8131 4661 601 Fulham Road, SW6 5UA
®used under license from Kenyon International Emergency Services Inc.
What documents do I need? The medical certificate signed by a doctor is an essential document. Legislation allows doctors to scan the medical certificate directly to the registrar.
Any MCCDs received without being scrutinised by an ME cannot be registered until scrutiny is completed. If the Coroner is involved, they may send the paperwork directly to the register office. In this case, the Coroner will tell you when to register. The following documents are useful, but you can register without them:
If you are handed the signed copy of the medical certificate, please inform the register office and bring the original with you to your appointment. Medical Examiner Scheme From September 2024, all deaths must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner (ME) before a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) can be issued. Medical examiners are senior medical doctors who provide independent scrutiny of the causes of death. They are trained in the legal and clinical elements of death certification processes. The certifying Doctor will liaise with a Medical Examiner to establish the cause of death and to allow for independent scrutiny to take place. After scrutiny, the MCCD will be sent to the Register Office, and you can book your appointment.
• the person’s passport • their birth certificate
• any deed polls they had • their NHS medical card • their marriage or civil partnership certificate
Information you need to register
• the person’s full name at the time of death and any names previously used, eg maiden name • the person’s date and place of birth
• their last address • their occupation
• the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner • whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits
A Guide to Registering a Death 7
John Nodes Funeral Directors Established 1828
We are here to support and guide you. Caring for families of all faiths since 1828. Our experienced and friendly team are available 24 hours a day by telephone or you can arrange a home visit. • Private Chapel of Rest • Probate • Prepaid funeral plans • Memorial Masonry • International Repatriation
Harlesden 020 8965 7051 Cricklewood 020 8452 2430
North Kensington 020 8969 1819 Kensal Rise 020 8969 3566
johnnodes.co.uk
W Sherry & Sons Funeral Directors est. 1850 Creating a funeral as unique as your Loved One
W Sherry & Sons Funeral Directors create personal and unique funerals to celebrate your loved one. Caring for families of all faiths since 1850 in Acton Green and the surrounding areas. • Private Chapel of Rest • Probate • Prepaid funeral plans • Memorial Masonry • International Repatriation 020 8994 5474 Branches in Acton Green, Greenford, Hanwell, Ickenham, Sudbury Hill, Uxbridge, South Harrow, Ruislip & Yeading
Fabulous service from the initial consultation to the service”
wsherryandsons.co.uk
What documents will I receive? When you register a death, you will receive the following: • A certificate for Burial or Cremation (the green form) – gives permission for burial or application for cremation. This form will be sent directly to the funeral director by the registrar. In some cases, the Coroner will issue this document directly to the funeral director. • Death Certificates are purchased when you book your appointment. You can purchase further copies at any time through our website www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars . • A reference number to use the Tell Us Once Service – a free and highly recommended service which will inform government agencies and local authorities of the deceased’s death, all in one go. Included within the service:
Local Authority • Housing Benefit Office • Council Tax Benefit Office • Electoral Services • Blue Badge • Council Housing • Council Tax • Libraries Department for Work and Pensions • Pension, Disability and Carers Service • Jobcentre Plus HM Revenue and Customs • Child Benefit • Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit • Personal Taxation Identity and Passport Service
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA )
Public Sector Pension Schemes Ministry of Defence, Service Personnel and Veterans Agency • War Pensions Scheme
A Guide to Registering a Death 9
JOHN KNOX & STANLEY CLARE FUNERAL DIRECTORS B
ESTABLISHED 1832
180 Battersea Park Road Battersea SW11 4ND Tel: 020 7622 4935 120 Wandsworth High Street Wandsworth SW18 4JP Tel: 020 8874 1781 501 Garrat Lane Earlsfield SW18 4SW Tel: 020 8874 1490
John Knox, 34 Stonecot Hill, Sutton SM3 9HE Tel: 020 8337 2626 Stanley Clare, 254 Brixton Hill, Brixton SW2 1HF Tel: 020 8674 5764 Stanley Clare, 142 Acre Lane,
Brixton SW2 5UT Tel: 020 7095 8956
WE DO NOT PAY ANYBODY TO RECOMMEND US, SO YOU PAY LESS
• Complete simple funerals £990.00 Plus disbursements • Direct cremation £1115.00 fully inclusive Price valid at time of publication but may be subject to change • Repatriation service • 24 hour service • Pre pay funeral plans FUNERAL SERVICE SAVE £100 with this advert Prices are subject to change.
OFFER APPLIES TO ALL STANDARD PRICE FUNERALS
AND REPATRIATIONS. EXCL SIMPLE FUNERAL. REPLACES ALL OTHER DISCOUNTS
Who else do you need to contact? When someone dies you may have to contact a variety of organisations to inform them of the death. You may have to send some of them a death certificate.
q Clubs and social groups q Council tax office * q Credit card companies q Creditors (anyone owed money by the deceased) q Debtors (anyone owing money to the deceased) q Dentist q Disabled parking permit *
You can use the following as a checklist to see if you have contacted everyone you need: q Accountant q Bank/building society q Benefits agency * q Child benefit office * q Child’s school, or childcare provider q Church or other place of worship
q Doctors q DVLA * q Employers q Home help agency
12 A Guide to Registering a Death
q NHS equipment wheelchairs, hearing aids etc.) q Passport Office * q Public Pension Schemes * q Pension plans (private pensions) q Premium bond office q Private healthcare provider q Relatives and friends q Solicitor q TV licence q Telephone provider- landline and mobile q Utilities (gas, electricity, water) * These providers will be included in the Tell Us Once Service
q Hospital clinics q Household insurance q Income tax office * q Insurance providers q Internet provider
q Landlord q Library * q Life assurance
q Mail for redirection q Mortgage provider q Motoring insurance and breakdown policy q National savings and Investments
A Guide to Registering a Death 13
Petyt Hall A Beautiful Venue for Wakes and Memorial Receptions
Petyt Hall is a beautiful and peaceful space, just a few steps from Chelsea Old Church, making it an ideal venue for wakes and memorial receptions. Its elegant setting offers a respectful and comfortable environment for gathering with family and friends to remember a loved one. Aw istphagcliaosuss dcooourrst yoaprednai nngd ogua trsdi edne if so ri nscel aumd el eds isni ny od uo ro rP-eotuyttdHo aolrl ebvoeonktisn. g , For more information on hiring Petyt Hall, please contact our Parish Administrator, Sophie, on: hall@chelseaoldchurch.org.uk
14 A Guide to Registering a Death
Since 1887, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, has stood as a refined residence at the heart of London’s most coveted neighbourhoods: Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia. Our dedicated team is here to support your plans with attentiveness, offering guidance and care every step of the way as we help you create a truly perfect and meaningful celebration of life. With a discreet private entrance and a townhouse-like atmosphere, The Cadogan offers a home away from home where you can gather with loved ones. Our private suites provide a tranquil setting for small, intimate gatherings, while our Cadogan Room can accommodate larger receptions for up to 80 guests. Each of our charming spaces is designed to honour and celebrate life-long memories in a warm and welcoming environment.
75 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG events.cad@belmond.com | 0208 089 7004
35 Old Church Street, Chelsea, SW3 5BS 020 3026 0466
info@pigsearpub.com www.pigsearpub.com @thepigsear_
A warm, characterful space in the heart of Chelsea, our Bistro Room provides a private setting for gatherings of remembrance. With thoughtful service, seasonal food, and a calm, understated atmosphere, we help you create a moment that feels personal and respectful. For enquiries, please contact our team. THE BISTRO ROOM AT THE PIG’S EAR
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16 A Guide to Registering a Death
Deaths referred to the coroner
midwife to scan the medical certificate of stillbirth directly to the registrar. If you are handed the signed copy of the medical certificate of stillbirth, please inform the register office and bring the original with you to your appointment. Who can register a Stillbirth? If the parents of the child were married to each other at the time of the stillbirth, either the mother or the father may register. If the parents were not married to each other they will need to register together in order for the father’s details to be recorded. A certificate of Registration will be issued and a certificate for burial or cremation. An appointment is booked by visiting our website www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars .
• Deaths referred to the coroner must also be registered within five calendar days of the Registrar receiving notification from the Coroners service. • If the coroner decides the death was due to natural causes, you will need to follow the normal procedure by booking an appointment at www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars . • If a post-mortem is carried out and the coroner decides that the death was due to natural causes, the coroner will send the essential documentation for registration to the Register Office. A person who can register the death, listed on page 5, will need to book an appointment to register. • If an inquest is held, the coroner will send the information from the court to the register office so you do not have to come to register the death. What do you need to do to register a Stillbirth When a child is stillborn, a doctor or midwife will issue a medical certificate of stillbirth. Legislation allows the certifying doctor or
A Guide to Registering a Death 17
Funeral Wakes & Celebration of Life We extend our condolences and assure you that we are here to alleviate some of the worry of organising a coming together of family and friends to remember your loved one at this difficult time. At 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton, we understand what a difficult time this can be. We want you to remember the life of your loved one and pay tribute with family and friends in the perfect setting. Our venue offers a choice of elegant and respectful event spaces with the option of a private bar for you to meet with family and friends and honour the life of a loved one. We offer a range of catering options to suit your requirements, from light refreshments to a full-service buffet or seated meal. We aim to support you at this difficult time and our experienced team are here to assist with your every need to ensure your service is bespoke to your family and that every detail is taken care of. For more information, please contact us on +44 (0) 20 7373 7878 or sales@100queensgate.com.
During this difficult time, the team at 11 Cadogan Gardens offers their heartfelt support to help you honour and celebrate the life of your loved one. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, our 5-star luxury hotel blends historic charm with a relaxed, boutique atmosphere, providing an elegant backdrop for gatherings of family and friends. Our attentive and compassionate team will work with you to create a meaningful, personal tribute. We offer inviting spaces for drink receptions with light refreshments, as well as private rooms for seated meals. At 11 Cadogan Gardens, you can come together to share memories, find comfort in one another, and celebrate a life in a warm and welcoming setting.
Chelsea | London | SW3 2RJ Tel: 020 7730 7000 sales@11cadogangardens.com 11cadogangardens.com
18 A Guide to Registering a Death
Other Information Inheritance Tax and probate Phone Call HMRC for advice on probate and Inheritance Tax following a death, including: • understanding your Inheritance Tax responsibilities • confirming the forms you need • getting paper copies of forms • completing Inheritance Tax forms Telephone: 0300 123 1072 Outside UK: +44 300 123 1072 Opening times: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and bank holidays. Post Write to HMRC with queries and correspondence about Inheritance Tax. You don’t need to include a street name, city name or PO box when writing to this address. Probate forms should be sent to your local Probate Registry. Inheritance Tax
Cruse Bereavement Care Grief is a natural process, but it can be devastating. For those who need help, Cruse offers free confidential support for adults and children, and this can be by telephone, email or face-to-face. Helpline Cruse Bereavement Care is here to support you after the death of someone close. If someone you know has died and you need to talk, call us freephone on 0808 808 1677.
Helpline hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday – 9.30am – 5pm Tuesday – 1pm – 8pm
helpline@cruse.org.uk Face-to-face and group support is delivered by trained bereavement volunteers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Kensington and Chelsea Register Office Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London SW3 5EE Tel: 0207 361 4100 Email: registrars@rbkc.gov.uk Web: www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars
HM Revenue and Customs BX9 1HT United Kingdom
Please give the HMRC reference number, or tell HMRC the full name and date of death of the person who has died.
A Guide to Registering a Death 19
Owned and run by Alex Jones and family, Chelsea Funeral Directors is one of London’s few remaining Independent Funeral Directors. 24 hour service, 365 days a year - Caring advice, with no obligation Worldwide repatriation Memorial masonry service Not part of a large conglomerate - Proudly independent CHELSEA
260b Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10 9EL 020 7352 0008 WESTMINSTER 91 Rochester Row Pimlico, SW1P 1LJ 020 7834 3281 FULHAM 235 Munster Road Fulham, SW6 6BT 020 7385 0866
www.chelseafuneraldirectors.co.uk
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