Overview

This bill mandates that coroners or juries investigating suicide cases in England and Wales must record their opinion on any relevant factors contributing to the death, specifically including gambling addiction. The information collected may be shared with relevant care providers, while maintaining the deceased's anonymity.

Description

The Coroners (Determination of Suicide) Bill amends the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and the Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013. Key changes include:

• Mandatory Recording of Factors: In suicide cases, coroners or juries must record an opinion on any relevant factors, with a specific focus on gambling addiction.
• Information Disclosure: Coroners can share this information with organizations providing care and support to vulnerable individuals, while protecting the deceased's identity.
• Anonymity Protection: The bill ensures that information released will not reveal the identity of the deceased.
• Geographical Scope: The bill applies only to England and Wales.
• Commencement: The bill comes into force two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending. The costs associated with implementing the new requirements are expected to be minimal, absorbed within existing coroner service budgets.

Groups Affected

The bill will primarily affect:

• Coroners and Juries: They will have new responsibilities in recording relevant factors, including gambling addiction, in suicide inquests.
• Families of Suicide Victims: Families may benefit from a more complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the death, potentially leading to better support services.
• Gambling Addiction Support Organizations: These organizations could receive valuable data to improve their services and potentially prevent future suicides.
• Care and Support Providers: Access to information about relevant factors in suicide cases may enhance their ability to identify and support vulnerable individuals.

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