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Indemnity for the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry

04 February 2022

Proposing MP
Maria Caulfield Con
Lewes
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
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At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the proposal for an indemnity to support the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry.

Action Requested

I have laid a departmental Minute proposing an indemnity covering the entire duration of the Inquiry’s work and beyond, up until five years after its final report submission. The Treasury has approved this in principle, subject to no Parliamentary objections raised within fourteen sitting days.

Key Facts

  • The Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry investigates deaths in mental health inpatient facilities across NHS Trusts in Essex from January 2000 to December 2020.
  • Dr Geraldine Strathdee CBE chairs the inquiry.
  • The indemnity covers acts done or omissions made by the Chair and all other members of the Inquiry Team in good faith, excluding personal criminal liability, negligence or reckless acts.
  • There is no cap on the indemnity; however, losses are not expected to exceed £3 million based on current estimates.
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