Delays in the coroners court have been described as ‘unacceptable’ by outgoing chief coroner judge Thomas Teague KC.
In his annual report, the judge acknowledged he had ‘placed great emphasis on protecting the narrow inquisitorial approach of the coroner’s investigation and inquest’ but added there was ‘still much work to be done’ including improving the understanding of coroners and sufficient funding and resources.
The total number of cases not concluded within 12 months had fallen between 2021 and 2022. From 2022 to 2023, the number had grown from 4,812 to 6,149.
Teague, who urged policy makers to consider the ‘fundamental problem of resourcing within the coroner service’, described the increase as ‘disappointing’ but ‘not unexpected’.
Factors such as the residual effects of the pandemic, ‘chronic underfunding of the coroner service, the increase in the quantity and complexity of referrals, and the ongoing shortage of pathologists’ attributed to the delay, he said.
He added: ‘Although delays can never be completely eradicated because of the need for coroners to wait for external investigations and processes to conclude, I must report that there is currently an unacceptable level of avoidable delay within the coroner service. While there is some potential for improving efficiency, the impact coroners – including the chief coroner – can have on this is limited. Policymakers need to consider how to address the fundamental problem of resourcing within the coroner service.’
The report, Teague’s last before his term of office ends later this month, also highlighted that future chiefs will be appointed on the basis they will spend most of their time leading the coronial service.
‘When I was appointed as chief coroner, the expectation was that I would dedicate 50% of my time to the role and continue to sit as a circuit judge at Liverpool Crown Court for the other 50%,' he revealed. 'However, during my period of office I was given permission to prioritise my leadership responsibilities.' The same will apply to his successor, he said.
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