Decision details

Joint Coroners Service - Legal Framework and Financial Protocol

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

It is proposed that Staffordshire County Council and Stoke on Trent City Council's Coronial areas are merged to form a single jurisdiction. The Legal Framework and Financial protocol for the merged area will be tabled for approval.

Decisions:

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“This proposal will see the creation of a new joint coroner’s service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

 

It is expected that the merger will not only help improve services for bereaved families, but would also provide opportunities for efficiency savings, ensuring that the service is sustainable and fit for the future. Inquests will continue to be heard in both Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, however there will be the potential to use other sites and locations under the new joint service.

 

The proposal links in with wider Ministry of Justice aspirations to merge smaller services which helps create a more consistent service and results in more coroner’s areas being of a similar size and population.”

 

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture

 

Reasons for the Decision – To consider proposals for the creation of a new joint coroner’s service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

 

Decision – (a) That the Heads of Terms for the Legal Framework for Staffordshire County Council to enter a partnership with Stoke on Trent City Council to allow the operation of a joint Coroner’s service through the Joint Executive Committee, subject to a similar resolution being passed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and subject to Ministerial sign off, be approved.

 

(b) That it be agreed that the merger should take place subject to a similar resolution being passed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and subject to Ministerial sign off.

 

(c) That authority be delegated to the Director of Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, to take all steps necessary to enable the Joint Agreement.

 

(d) That authority be delegated to the Director for Corporate Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, to finalise any Legal Agreement.

Report author: Trish Caldwell

Publication date: 22/06/2023

Date of decision: 21/06/2023

Decided at meeting: 21/06/2023 - Cabinet

Effective from: 28/06/2023

Accompanying Documents: