Coroner Services West Midlands 2025-05-15

Opened the debate

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to address an issue that continues to cause deep pain and disruption to our communities across Birmingham and the west midlands, and to speak about an under-appreciated service that we will all turn to at some point in our life. The amount of time that passes between death and burial is not a matter of mere procedure or bureaucracy; it is, first and foremost, a matter of dignity, faith, and human decency, so we must afford our coroner services the urgent and serious attention they deserve. For many, the news of a loved one passing brings not only sorrow but an immediate sense of duty. In both the Muslim and Jewish traditions, burial cannot be postponed without consequence; it is a religious imperative to bury the deceased as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. When that process is delayed—not for hours, but for days and sometimes weeks—it causes a deep wound. These families are not just dealing with a loss, but being kept in suspense, both spiritually and emotionally, unable to complete the final rites that bring peace, closure, and healing. What is worse is that these delays have become commonplace; increasingly, they are the norm. Every week, I hear from grieving families who are tired, frustrated and often feel helpless. Their stories are heartbreaking. Many do not know where to turn. They call their councillors and their MPs, and they are right to do so. When the system fails them, it is our job to listen, act, and advocate.

Government Response

The issues raised by the hon. Member for Birmingham Perry Barr are important and I would like to address them directly. The Department for Justice recognises that delays in coroner services can cause distress to families during already difficult times. We have been working to improve the situation, including a significant investment of £20 million to support local authorities and health trusts to provide better services. Additionally, we are reviewing current practices to identify areas where improvements can be made. The number of staff dedicated to coroner services has increased, and there is ongoing work to enhance technology and infrastructure. Furthermore, the Government is exploring ways to ensure that religious requirements are met more effectively by providing additional training for coroners and their teams. We remain committed to addressing these challenges to provide compassionate and timely support to those who need it most. The Minister acknowledges the importance of the debate on coroners' services, expressing gratitude to all hon. Members who contributed. She notes that while the Ministry of Justice is responsible for coronial law and policy in England and Wales, operational oversight lies with local authorities. The Minister commends the hard work of coroners and their staff, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce delays through guidance on early decision-making and family communication. She mentions the implementation of post-mortem imaging guidance and regular meetings with the chief coroner to understand issues better. Additionally, she outlines steps taken by the Government, including the introduction of a medical examiner system in September 2024, which ensures all deaths undergo an independent review. The Minister acknowledges the early encouraging evidence of the new arrangements working as intended, reducing unnecessary cases being referred to coroners. This allows resources to be focused on more complex deaths while reducing impacts on families. The Minister mentions addressing the shortage of pathologists through a cross-Government approach and meeting counterparts in the Department of Health and Social Care to tackle the issue long-term. Efforts are ongoing to process backlog inquest hearings as quickly as possible, with average completion times varying by area. We recognise the importance of an effective coroner service for finding answers on behalf of deceased individuals and disseminating learning widely to protect the public.