The Isle of Wight Coroner’s Service will be examined at County Hall in light of a hefty 61-point Recovery Plan.
Continually developed and delivered against a backdrop of ongoing criticism from grieving residents, elected representatives and watchdogs, the ‘live’ Plan could be endorsed by councillors on Thursday evening (4th December 2025).
Worst waiting time
According to a report due to be presented to the environment and community protection committee (ECPC), the waiting time for inquests is reported as being the worst in England and Wales.
Only 38 inquests were concluded by Isle of Wight Coroner Caroline Sumeray last year, with an average wait time of 76 weeks – more than double the national average, according to the ECPC report.
In October, it was revealed that more than 400 families waited over a year to find out how their loved ones died. This is the second highest number in the UK, according to the Chief Coroner’s Annual Report for 2024.
It says,
“Regrettably, the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Service has been performing poorly. The Ministry of Justice guidance to bereaved families indicates that the inquest hearing should take place within six months or as soon as reasonably possible after the death has been reported to the coroner.”
Reasons for delay
The report says reasons for the delays vary, but historically can be connected to staffing shortages, challenges in securing pathology support, court facilities not being available, relying on outside agencies finishing their investigations and a ‘lack of judicial progress’.
County Hall says ‘significant progress’ has been made to tackle the delays, through the creation of a purpose-built court facility, completed in October 2024, increased staffing and investment in extra support.
Service Recovery Plan
The Service Recovery Plan due to be discussed on Thursday (4th December) lists 61 actions.
Those completed include ensuring bereaved families guidance is added to the Isle of Wight Council’s website, prioritising staff learning and development, reviewing officer presence in court and agreeing the complaints process with Mrs Sumeray.
But ones marked in red – ‘not started’ – include developing a bereaved families charter and exploring procurement options for pathology.
Another action, scanning completed inquest files to a digital case management and workflow system, had a 31st March 2025, target date.
ECPC will meet at County Hall at 5pm on Thursday evening.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
