When a family loses a loved one, there are many things which need to be done, including telling companies and organisations that the person is deceased.
Halton Borough Council has become the first council in the North West to sign up to a free online service that allows people to notify participating banks and building societies of the death of a family member, friend or other acquaintance.
By completing the form at deathnotificationservice.co.uk, one quick and straightforward notification will then be used to contact all the participating organisations that you select.
Each bank or building society will then respond within 10 days to advise the family of the next steps, which will be specific to the types of accounts and products the deceased held.
Halton’s Registrars were part of a local government group who trialled the service and following recommendations following the trial, have now signed up for the service to enable residents in Halton to make one quick online notification, allowing them to get on with other arrangements that need to be made when a loved on passes away.
Cllr Mark Dennett, Executive Board Member for Corporate Services, said: “At a time of loss, people struggle to find the time to fit the necessary arrangements in to what is a very stressful and upsetting period. We hope that by signing up to this scheme we will help people make the correct contacts and allow more time to be with other family members.”
For more information www.halton.gov.uk/BirthsDeathsMarriages