Decision - Changes to the Coroner's Service

This deals with proposed merger of the Coroner's services in B&H and West Sussex Cc

RESOLVED: That the Committee – (i) Noted the interim arrangements whereby the current Senior Coroner for West Sussex is also Acting as Senior Coroner for the city of Brighton & Hove; (ii) Noted the proposal, as part of the interim arrangements, for the recruitment of an Area Coroner for the city of Brighton & Hove; (iii) Agreed in principle the overall aims of the draft business case being developed by both Local Authorities (latest version attached in Appendix 1) with a view to it being submitted to the Chief Coroner's Office for approval subject to any necessary modifications and consultation with staff and unions; (iv) Noted that, as part of the statutory process, there will be consultation with key stakeholders which the Chief Coroner will consider before approving the proposals; (v) Authorised the Chief Executive and the Executive Director for Governance, People and Resources, to take all steps necessary to finalise the draft proposals and enter into any agreements necessary for the merger of the Coroner's Service.

The report proposed continuing interim arrangements under which the Senior Coroner for West Sussex also acts as Senior Coroner for Brighton & Hove, alongside recruiting a part-time Area Coroner for Brighton & Hove. It sought agreement in principle to merge the Brighton & Hove and West Sussex coroner jurisdictions, subject to consultation and approval by the Chief Coroner’s Office, while maintaining local inquests and services.