The number of "paupers' funerals" in Sutton is increasing as friends and family struggle or refuse to pay for the costs.

Figures revealed by a Freedom of Information request show that the Epsom and St Helier trust undertook 17 public health funerals during 2012-13 compared to seven the year before.

Five of the paupers' funerals carried out last year were because family and friends actually refused to finance or make arrangements for the funerals - compared to just one the year before.

Apart from one baby, most of the funerals carried out by the trust last year were for the elderly raising serious issues of isolation in the elderly.

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Marion Harper (pictured), chief executive officer of Age UK Sutton, said they have been so disturbed by the growing number of isolated and lonely people in the borough that they recently interviewed 50 older people and found clear evidence of social isolation and loneliness reported by a large number.

Over the last three years the Epsom and St Helier trust has also seen increases in the number of people dying without any income or assets as well as more people dying without friends and family.

Before administrative costs, staff costs and anything redeemed by the relevant local authority from the deceased’s estate, the funerals cost the trust £15,300 last year.

Each public health funeral costs the trust on average £900. The trust provides a basic coffin, a hearse and a cremation at North East Surrey Crematorium.

Reverend Sarah Sewell, chaplain for the Epsom and St Helier trust and manager of their bereavement services, said: "Sadly, there has been an increase in recent years, and, in the main, this is because the deceased and their loved ones just do not have the money to pay for a funeral, or tragically, a patient dies and relatives and friends cannot be traced.

"We take this obligation seriously and ensure that we treat the deceased with respect at all times." 

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Tom Brake the MP for Carshalton and Wallington said: "It is very sad to note that many, often elderly people, are dying without any known relatives or relatives able to afford to pay for their funeral."

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Paul Burstow the MP for Sutton and Cheam said the figures were sad and gave a glimpse of a deeper issue of social isolation and loneliness - likely to be a growing trend.

Age UK Sutton have a community helpers project which supports isolated and elderly people getting access to social opportunities and local activities. For more information call them on 020 8770 4090.