(1)A local authority may cause to be buried or cremated the body of any deceased person who immediately before his death was in the care of, or receiving assistance from, the authority:
Provided that the authority shall not cause the body to be cremated where cremation is not in accordance with the practice of the person's religious persuasion.
(2)An authority may recover from the estate of the deceased person or from any person who was liable to maintain the deceased person immediately before his death expenses incurred under subsection (1) of this section and not reimbursed under section 39 of the [1965 c. 51.] National Insurance Act 1965.