Government announces reform of coroner system

The government has unveiled plans to reform the coroners system in England and Wales.

The Coroners Reform Bill includes plans to give bereaved relatives more access into the investigation of the death. Relatives will be allowed to ask the coroner for a second opinion on a death certificate and be able to challenge a coroner's decision and make a complaint or appeal to the new chief coroner.

The new chief coroner, who ministers aim to recruit in 2007 and who will be accountable to Parliament, would be responsible for developing national standards and guidance for coroners, considering appeals against their decisions and giving advice to ministers.

They would be supported by a new Coronial Advisory Council, which would advise both them and the government on all issues that affect the coroner service.

The reforms also include plans to replace the current 111 mostly part-time coroners in England and Wales with 65 full-time posts.

However, there are also plans to allow coroners' courts to impose reporting restrictions, putting them on the same footing as criminal courts.

The Bill would also be published in 'plain English' text, alongside the legal text, so that anyone would be able to read and understand it.

The changes have been introduced in the wake of the inquiry into the murders committed by GP Harold Shipman.

An official report concluded that Shipman, who hanged himself in Wakefield Prison in January 2004, killed at least 215 patients between 1975 and 1998 without being detected.

Commenting on the Bill, Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said: "There are many coroners and coroners' officers dedicated to their work, but the system in which they work must be improved.

"This new law will ensure that the public interest is served by proper enquiries into deaths and the bereaved get the answers they need.

"The Bill includes changes that will give coroners greater powers to call evidence for their investigations, and have dedicated medical advice available to them. It will end the archaic boundary restrictions that hamper progress when there are major incidents.

"The constitutional innovation of having a Bill the public can read and understand will mean that the public will be able to join in the debate about the Bill. The public scrutiny by recently bereaved families is also part of that process - it's about getting the legislation right and not being afraid to change if if necessary."

Liberal Democrat Constitutional Affairs spokesperson Simon Hughes welcomed the proposals. He said: "Inquests must be family centered, free from bureaucracy and legal formality, but effective in finding the truth. Coroners and relatives must be free to challenge findings and ask for second opinions.

"However, proposals to close the doors and shut out the public are worrying and should be resisted. The finding of facts and the provision of justice must always be seen to be done."

(KMcA)