The bodies of people  who have to have taxpayer-funded funerals will be treated with “respect and dignity”, a leading Forest councillor has said.

The Forest Council’s Cabinet has agreed a new policy for what are officially termed public health funerals following fears the lack of one could lead to legal challenges.

A public health funeral is arranged by the local authority for people who have died and have no known relatives to arrange or pay for it or where the family do not want to make arrangements.

On average, the Forest Council arranges between two and four funerals a year costing about £1,250 each.

These cases are generally referred to the council by the coroner’s office but sometimes family members are traced.

Cabinet member for environment Cllr Jackie Fraser (Green, Mitcheldean, Ruardean and Drybrook) said: “The council does not currently have an adopted public health funerals policy.

“ This could possibly leave the council open to legal challenge from interested parties if it takes on a very basic funeral arrangement and the family wants something more tailored.

“There should be no stigma over public health funerals and this council with this policy will ensure that anyone who passes away in this district will be treated wth respect and dignity regardless of wealth and will receive a dignified burial.”