Who can register a death?

Most deaths occur in a house or an institution (eg a hospital) and the law states that the persons who can register a death in such circumstances are:

• a relative of the deceased
• a person present at the death
• the occupier of the house or institution where the death took place, if there is no known relative who is able to register
• the person who is arranging the funeral (ie the person who is instructing the funeral director)