Supplementary evidence submitted by Ian
G McCreath MBE, HM Coroner for North Northumberland
I feel compelled to write to you again, following
my attendance at the DCA Roadshow at Leeds on 8 July.
I am very concerned as to the continuity of
the Coronial Service to an acceptable level, from now until the
new Coronial System is put into operation.
It was made clear by the DCA Officials who spoke
at the Roadshow that neither Coroners, Deputy Coroners, Assistant
Deputy Coroners, Coroners' Officers nor Coroners' Clerical Staff
can be regarded as having any continuing job security at all.
Quite apart from the concerns being felt by
Coroners, Deputy Coroners and Assistant Deputy Coroners, Coroners'
Officers and clerical staff must clearly also be very concerned,
for the following reasons.
It was explained that the Government is in negotiations
with Police Authority Representatives and with Local Government
Associations over the possibility of all Coroners' Officers being
employed in future by Local Authorities rather than Police Authorities.
This means that at some unknown time in the
future, many Coroners' Officers may be faced with having to apply
for a new job with a Local Authority without any guarantee of
success, not least because it was suggested that Local Authorities
tend to favour existing employees when job applications are being
considered.
Secondly, it was stated that there would be
no question of continuity of the employment of clerical staff
who currently work in solicitors' offices within such offices,
when the legislation is brought into force.
There was a reference to such persons possibly
being offered work in the new service, but then it was stated
by the DCA Officials that there is no map in existence, as yet,
showing any provisional boundaries for the new jurisdictions.
In addition, there was significant disquiet
on the part of the Local Government representatives present, as
to where the money will come from for the purpose of their fulfilling
their obligations under clause 33 of the Bill.
Furthermore, the manner in which any future
consultation with those presently working within the service is
to be conducted was not made clear. This was perhaps the most
distressing news of all.
There must be a major concern that many, who
carry out an extremely valuable service to the bereaved at present,
will seek to leave the Coronial Service between now and April
2009 if opportunities for more secure employement elsewhere arise.
Needless to say, replacing any such individuals would only be
possible on temporary contracts of employment of unknown duration.
I write this letter as one individual working
in the service at present, greatly concerned for the future wellbeing
of the Coronial Service in North Northumberland and the rest of
England and Wales.
I do not know whether this letter will be too
late for use as evidence before the Constitutional Affairs Committee,
but I would have no objection to it being used as such, if that
is possible.
Ian G McCreath MBE
HM Coroner for North Northumberland
June 2006
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