Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if her Department will take steps to (a) improve communication practices, (b) ensue greater sensitivity in interactions, (c) better manage families’ expectations to prevent (i) delays and (ii) unnecessary distress and (d) otherwise reform the coroner services to put bereaved families at the centre of operations.

It is important that the inquest process is as swift, efficient and sensitive as possible and that bereaved families are put at the heart of the process in order to avoid additional distress at such a difficult time in their lives.

Whilst the Ministry of Justice is responsible for coroner law and policy, this Department does not have operational responsibility for coroner services which are administered and funded by individual local authorities according to local priorities and need.

These issues were raised by the Justice Committee in their recent follow-up inquiry into the coroner service. The Government is carefully considering the Committee’s findings, including on guidance and what additional support for bereaved people may be needed and will respond on the steps it intends to take to further support the coroner service in due course.

We will continue to work with the Chief Coroner to consider and address any issues of consistency and to share best practice across coroner areas.