Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee thanks the Coroner for his work and receives further reports on an annual basis; and

(b)       That the annual presentation on the work of the Coroner be held in an all-Member workshop in future.

The report of the Chief Officer (Governance) provided background to the role of the Coroner for North Wales (East and Central) and the work undertaken on behalf of councils in Conwy, Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire.

The Chair invited John Gittins, H.M. Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central to give his annual presentation including the following:

·         History of the Coroner

·         The North Wales (East and Central) (Coroner’s District) Order 2012

·         Independent Judicial Officer funded by local authorities

·         A very privileged position

·         Statistics 2021

·         Support

·         The Law / The Crossroads / Investigation / The Inquest

·         Powers of Coroner - Schedule 5 / Consequences

·         Prevention of future deaths

·         Recent notable cases

·         Ongoing matters

·         The Court

·         Other jobs and responsibilities

The presentation set out the wide range of powers and responsibilities held by the Coroner, accompanied by examples of cases which highlighted the need to balance humanity with the duty to investigate.

In response to questions, John Gittins provided clarification on a range of matters including his judicial role, the impact of publicised cases across the UK and cemetery provision.

Following discussion, the Democratic Services Manager agreed to share contact details for the Coroner’s office with the Committee.

Councillor Paul Johnson suggested that the annual update on the work of the Coroner could be better accommodated in an informal workshop to which all Members could benefit.  The suggestion was welcomed by John Gittins.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked Mr. Gittins for his attendance and detailed presentation.  He moved the suggestion for a workshop along with the recommendation in the report, and was seconded by Councillor Alasdair Ibbotson.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee thanks the Coroner for his work and receives further reports on an annual basis; and

(b)       That the annual presentation on the work of the Coroner be held in an all-Member workshop in future.