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<p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coroners-and-burials-statistics"
target="_blank">Coroner Statistics</a> for the Birmingham and Solihull coroner area
show that, in 2020, the average time from a death being reported to the conclusion
of the inquest was 10 weeks. This was a decrease from 14 weeks in 2019 and 12 weeks
in 2018, and below the 2020 average of 27 weeks in England and Wales. Statistics for
2021 will be published next month.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise that delays in the inquest
process may cause additional anguish and distress for the relatives and friends of
the deceased. It is a matter for coroners, as independent judicial office holders,
to determine how their investigations are carried out. However, we expect that they
will continue to work sensitively with bereaved families to address any faith-based
concerns.</p><p> </p><p>The Chief Coroner has issued practical <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/guidance-no-28-report-of-death-to-the-coroner-2010517.pdf"
target="_blank">Guidance</a> for coroners on situations where a bereaved family has
requested urgent consideration of the death of a loved one, which may also include
a request for early release of the body; or where the coroner or coroner’s officers
become aware that a particular death may have aspects which justify especially urgent
consideration. This may include consideration on the basis of religious obligations.
The guidance says that coroners should pay appropriate respect to those wishes, within
the framework of their legal duties and in the context of their other responsibilities.</p>
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