Bromley Council is facing increased costs for its coroner service due to rising demand, inflationary pressures, and the need for updated facilities. These inflationary pressures, coupled with increased service demand and the need for new premises, are contributing to the financial strain on the service.
The Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee discussed the issue on Wednesday 10 September 2025, as part of a review of the Public Protection and Enforcement Risk Register. Risk 12, 'Increased Costs for Coroners Service,' was highlighted with a 'red' Current Risk Rating of twenty, indicating a significant concern.
According to the report pack provided to the committee, the increased costs are attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Increase in service demand: A higher volume of cases requiring coroner investigation.
- Inflationary pressures: Rising costs for services and resources.
- New premises requirements: The need for updated facilities for the main coroners' court.
The report pack stated that the appended Risk Register also forms part of the Annual Governance Statement evidence-base and has been reviewed by the Environment and Public Protection Departmental Management Team (DMT) and Corporate Risk Management Group. The New Risk Position, by way of a Heat Map, is reported to the Audit and Risk Committee.
