Coroners’ merger ‘would improve the service for bereaved’
CORONERS’ OFFICES across York and North Yorkshire could be merged into a single unit, under plans being considered by councillors.
The possible change would improve standards and “provide consistency for families across the region”, North Yorkshire County Council said.
Coroners, who have the power to investigate if they believe the cause of a death is unknown or unnatural, are independent court officers whose appointments have to be agreed with the Ministry of Justice.
But the Government supports the merger of small coroner areas across England and Wales into larger ones.
Coun Carl Les, leader of the county council, said: “We believe a merger should result in a more resilient and consistent service for bereaved people.
“However, a merger would not mean that inquests would be centralised. Given the size of the area, our view is that there would continue to be a need for inquests to be held in various towns within North Yorkshire, as well as York”.
Coun Ian Gillies, leader of York council said: “It has been suggested by the Chief Coroner that having larger coroner’s areas can improve the support provided and increase the capacity and consistency of the support available.
“Hopefully this can be achieved with the possible merging with North Yorkshire.”
York was asked five years ago to explore the possibility of merging its coroner’s office with that of Hull and the East Riding, but the move was blocked by the local coroner, police and councillors.