Member

Amendment 474 would make automatic the issuing of a data preservation notice to relevant services within five working days of coroners becoming aware of a child’s death. It would require Ofcom to provide a template to ensure that a consistent baseline of data is obtained and allow the coroner to add any information they additionally wish to request. It would not undermine the coronial system but make it sure-footed. Amendment 475 is consequential, requiring the Secretary of State to write to relevant stakeholders to raise awareness. The Chief Coroner issued guidance at the end of September when these powers came into force, but it is clear from the testimony of bereaved parents that it has not been fully absorbed.