London,
25
November
2015
|
10:09
Europe/London

Review of coroner reforms

The Ministry of Justice is currently carrying out a post-implementation review of the coroner reforms under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and is seeking views on the experiences of those who have used coroners services.

The consultation will test whether the reforms are operating as planned and is due to close on Thursday 10 December.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture has been leading a campaign for reform of coroners’ services on a national basis and has urged all interested parties to submit their responses to the Ministry of Justice, as in his letter below:

“
Cllr Abdul Hai, Council Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture
 Dear Community Partner,

I am writing to inform you of a public consultation recently announced by the Ministry of Justice aimed at a reviewing the impact of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

As you know I have taken the lead in campaigning for a full review of the coroners’ services on national basis to ensure it is brought in line with a 21st century ethos around support and compassion for bereaved families.  My work has included meetings with the Chief Coroner for England and Wales, a range of cross party MPs at the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon Michael Gove MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and other at the House of Lords. More locally I have met with community groups, in particular with the Jewish and Muslim communities and Councillors. 

The inability of coroners services to respond to out-of-hours and none invasive post mortem examinations, particularly impacts upon members of the Muslim and Jewish communities who strive to bury their deceased as soon as possible after death as required by their traditions. 

I am extremely pleased the Government has listened and taken on-board our suggestions.  However, I want to be clear that this is not just an issue for the Jewish and Muslim communities, but also about adopting a more sensitive approach towards all bereaved families.

To ensure our collective voice continues to be heard I would encourage you to please complete and circulate the online consultation to your relevant contacts in order to ensure that the coroner’s service is responsive to the needs of our diverse community.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-coroner-services-launched

https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/post-implementation-review-of-coroner-reforms

https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/post-implementation-review-of-coroner-reforms/consultation

The closing date is 10 December 2015.

I will continue to campaign for change and I welcome your continued interest and support.
Cllr Abdul Hai, Council Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture
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