MP for Pendle, Andrew Stephenson has welcomed the merger of three Coroner services across Lancashire.
The merger was confirmed on 10 November after a Statutory Instrument was laid in Parliament, following a long campaign for improvements to the service led by Mr Stephenson. A business case was submitted to the Lord Chancellor for the three jurisdictions that covered Lancashire to be merged to form the new Lancashire with Blackburn & Darwen Coroner Services. The new Service is supported by 3 Senior Coroners.
The merger will save approximately £350,000 and provide a more efficient and streamlined service. One of the key reasons for the merger is the ability to provide more resilience to deal with out of hours/faith deaths rather than the old arrangement, as the new arrangement will involve three full time coroners who will work on a rota to provide this cover.
Commenting on the merger, Andrew Stephenson MP, said; “I welcome the merger of Coroner services for Lancashire. Many constituents have raised concerns with me over delays of the release of loved ones following their death, which can be very stressful and upsetting. Change was much needed.
“Under these new arrangements members of the public can expect to see a much more efficient service, including on weekends.”