Coroners: Reform
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to paragraph 116 of the report by the Justice Committee entitled The Coroner Service, published on 27 May 2021, HC 68, when he plans to take legislative steps to introduce this measure.
Answered by Alex Davies-Jones
The Government intends to bring forward the necessary amendments to section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
Whilst we have not undertaken a formal impact assessment on timings, there remains a well-established process for applications to be made under section 13, which is available in relevant circumstances. The proposed change builds on that existing framework by enabling the High Court, in appropriate cases, to resolve issues rather than directing that a matter be remitted to a coroner for a fresh inquest. This will provide the court with greater flexibility to ensure that it can fulfil its role as expediently as possible and in a way that best serves the interests of justice.
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