RCT boasts new coroner's court

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Mayor has opened what has become the first dedicated Coroner’s Court in Wales and highlighted the improved service such a facility will bring.

Cllr Robert Smith was joined by other dignitaries for the event at Rock Grounds, Aberdare, earlier this month.

He was pleased to showcase the bespoke facility, which has seen extensive refurbishment of existing Council accommodation to offer the best-possible service for families at what is often a difficult and upsetting time.

It will also help to enhance and improve the work of the coroner, who serves the local authority areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil.

The new court enables the coroner’s service to provide a more efficient and professional service for families, including a new private room for their use to avoid additional stress or upset.

The new accommodation and improvements have been made in line with the proposed requirements of the Coroners and Justice Bill, which is currently going through Parliament and seeks to establish a standards system for coroners.

The new court ensures early compliance for the area.

Although coroners are independent representatives of the Crown, local authorities are responsible for the funding of the service and the provision of administration and staff.

Through a joint arrangement that has been in place since 1996, the authorities of RCT, Merthyr and Bridgend are served by one coroner. Rhondda Cynon Taf takes the lead on behalf of its partners for the service.

Such joint working serves the improvement and collaboration agenda in local government, ensuring the best-possible service by joining forces to deliver a service in partnership. The new court also represents value for money as it can accommodate major inquests that, previously, may have required the booking of a hotel or conference facilities.

Joining Cllr Smith at the official opening, were the Mayors of Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil, Cllr Jefferson Tildesley and Cllr Glen Price respectively.

Mayor Cllr Smith, said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Glamorgan Valleys is the first jurisdiction in Wales to have its own bespoke coroner’s court and I was delighted to declare it officially open. The new court is a great facility, with improved arrangements for families, which I hope will be of some comfort to them.”

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Cllr Russell Roberts, added: “The new coroner’s court is a joint facility for the County Boroughs of Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil as is the coroner’s service and its staff.

“I was very pleased to welcome our colleagues to the official opening and that we have been able to provide such a first class and professional, yet welcoming, facility for the public. When using this particular service, we know that people are going through a very difficult and upsetting time and it is therefore particularly important they get the best possible service.”

HM Coroner for Bridgend and the Glamorgan Valleys, Peter Maddox, concluded: “A bespoke coroner’s court means that inquests can now be listed more quickly as I have exclusive control of the courtroom and its use. The facilities offered here are excellent and will hopefully lessen the stress and upset of bereaved families who have to attend an inquest. Whilst I would hope that the majority of inquests are dealt with in the coroner’s court in Aberdare, if another venue would be more convenient for families and witnesses, the system retains the flexibility to allow inquests to be heard elsewhere.”