Overview

This bill amends the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to require coroners or juries investigating suicides to record an opinion on any relevant factors contributing to the death, specifically including gambling addiction. This information may be shared with relevant care providers to help prevent future suicides, while protecting the deceased's identity.

Description

The bill introduces a new requirement for coroners and juries in England and Wales. When ruling a death a suicide, they must record their opinion on any factors contributing to the death. This includes explicitly considering whether the deceased had a gambling addiction.

Specific Amendments:

• Adds a new subsection (4) to section 10 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 allowing coroners to record opinions on relevant factors in suicide cases.
• Amends section 5 of the same Act to include this new subsection (4) in the list of matters coroners must ascertain.
• Adds a new Rule 35 to the Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013 mandating the recording of relevant factors, including gambling addiction, in suicide determinations.
• Allows the coroner to disclose information about relevant factors to care providers, but prohibits the disclosure of the deceased's identity.

The bill will come into effect two months after it is passed and only applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact UK government spending as it primarily involves amending existing procedures and doesn't introduce any substantial new funding requirements.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Coroners and Juries: They will have additional responsibilities in recording opinions on relevant factors in suicide cases.
• Families of Suicide Victims: The new requirement may provide them with additional information and potentially contribute to better understanding of suicide causes.
• Gambling Addiction Support Organisations: May receive more information to help identify individuals at risk and improve preventative measures.
• Mental Health and Care Providers: May receive information from coroners to potentially improve care and support for at-risk individuals.

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