Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that there is adequate (a) funding and (b) support for (i) forensic investigation teams and (ii) coroner services to help minimise delays.

It is important that the death investigation process is as swift and efficient as possible to avoid additional distress for bereaved families 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 as they are a local service, funded and administered by individual local authorities. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring these services are adequately resourced in line with local needs and priorities.

However, the Government recognises the impact of delays in coronial investigations on bereaved families. This was an issue explored and highlighted by the Justice Select Committee following their recent follow-up inquiry into the coroner service. The Government is carefully considering the Committee’s findings including on coronial pathology provision, which is a long-standing and cross cutting issue that can impact on the timeliness of coronial investigations and will respond on the steps it intends to take to further support the coroner service in due course.

Fair and efficient police investigations and outcomes depend on the timely delivery of high-quality forensic science. The Government is working with PCCs, Chief Constables, the Forensic Science Regulator and other leaders in forensic science to ensure forensic services are reliable and robust to increase confidence in the police and criminal justice system to their highest levels.