Merger between Teesside and Hartlepool coroner's services moves closer

Lord Chancellor says he would support a merger between the services :: Middlesbrough Council to put together case for amalgamation

A merger between Teesside and Hartlepool coroner’s services has moved a step closer.

An amalgamation between the two looks like it could be on the cards after the Lord Chancellor said he would support a merger.

Chris Grayling has now asked Middlesbrough Council to put together a business case for the amalgamation.

The position of senior coroner for Teesside is currently vacant following Michael Sheffield’s retirement in April this year.

Middlesbrough Council informed the Lord Chancellor and the Chief Coroner of the vacancy and requested a view on whether or not a merger would be proposed.

The Lord Chancellor responded by saying: “The Lord Chancellor would support a merger of the Teesside and Hartlepool coroner areas and looks forward to seeing a business case for amalgamation.

“He would equally expect to see a business case setting out reasons for not merging the two areas if that is what is decided.”

A report from Middlesbrough Council Executive states that the business case will focus on identifying “the most efficient and effective service for Teesside and Hartlepool areas that improves performance and meets stakeholder needs”.

Assistant Coroner Clare Bailey has taken on the role of Acting Senior Coroner for Teesside until a permanent decision is made.

Teesside Coroner’s Service has been hit by controversy over the last two decades due to the length of time that was being taken to hold inquests.

At the centre was a long-running disagreement with Cleveland Police over the resourcing of the coroner’s office.

Middlesbrough Council’s Community Safety and Leisure Scrutiny Committee carried out an investigation into the running of the Teesside Coroner’s Court.

It made a series of suggestions to shake up the coroner’s service - including the merger with Hartlepool.

The Office for Judicial Complaints carried also carried out an investigation and concluded that there was “no evidence to suggest that the delays had been caused as a result of Mr Sheffield’s conduct”.