CORONERS' COURTS SUPPORT SERVICE

That this House congratulates the Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) which supports bereaved families who have to give evidence at inquests of loved ones; understands that for grieving families attending an inquest and giving evidence can be a shattering and daunting experience; commends the dedication of the 135 volunteers who have so far been trained by the CCSS; is impressed that only two salaried staff manage the entire service and by the dedication of this small team and the volunteers who do so much to help families and witnesses cope with the process; expresses concern that only 24 coroners' courts throughout England currently have access to this service;notes that with funding of 1 million over three years the CCSS would be in a position to roll out to every single coroners' court in England and Wales; and calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to explore ways of finding this funding to extend and secure such an invaluable and commendable service for the whole country.