Inquests moving to new venue to 'remove distress'

Inquests in Stoke-on-Trent will soon move to a new venue in a £609,450 project, to "remove distress" for grieving families.

Since 2010, inquests have been held at Stoke Town Hall following the closure of the old coroners' court building in Harsthill.

However, this arrangement is "no longer fit for purpose" due to the noise from other meetings and events at the town hall, following previous assurances there would only be "minimal footfall" near the rooms used by the coroners' service.

Stoke and Staffordshire councillors have now given final approval to move to Swann House in Stoke, with the first floor of the city council-owned building set to be converted for the new use.

The issues at Stoke Town Hall had resulted in some inquests being held at County Buildings in Stafford, but these incurred additional costs.

The work at Swann House is expected to be completed by the end of the year and the coroners' service will initially move into the ground floor of Swann House on an interim basis.

Staffordshire County Council will contribute £140,000 towards the costs of the move, while Stoke-on-Trent City Council will cover the remaining £469,450 through borrowing – the two authorities jointly fund the service.

A report to the joint coroners committee stated: "There is a shared consensus that the use of Stoke Town Hall cannot be deconflicted sufficiently to enable an efficient coroners service to be run there.

"It should be noted that the proposal to relocate the coroner is not predicated on making a saving or a definable payback period.

"It is based on operational necessity and will enable an efficient and effective court service, remove distress for grieving families and reduce reputational risk to both councils."

Including interest payments, the total cost to the city council over the 33-year life of the facility will be £938,000.

However, the report adds that the relocation will protect lettings income for the town hall and could support increased lettings at the King's Hall next door.

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This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.