FOI request (FOIR-754814243)

Use of Genealogy Services for Next of Kin Tracing

Requested Mon 06 October 2025
Responded Mon 13 October 2025

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. My request particularly relates to Adult Social Services/Public Health who deal with the funerals and or estates of individuals who have died within the local authority with no known next of kin.

I would be grateful if you could provide the following information:

1. Does your local authority use a professional genealogy or heir tracing service to locate next of kin in any of the following circumstances:

a. Where an individual has died intestate or with no known next of kin?

b. Where the local authority has arranged a public health funeral under its statutory duties?

2. If so, please could you provide the name(s) of the genealogy firm(s) or individual genealogist(s) your authority has used for this purpose in the past five years?

3. If your authority maintains a list or panel of approved genealogists or firms for such services, I would also like to request information on how my firm can apply to be considered for inclusion on that list.

4. If you do not work with genealogist, can you confirm that should you be unable to locate next of kin, you then refer details straight to the Treasury Solicitor without the involvement of any professional genealogist?

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Response

Information not held.

Adult Social Care is dealt with by East Sussex County Council, please visit their website for further information:

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk