Backlogs in the county coroners’ inquest system aren’t being helped by family members using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help their submissions.
While no false citations have been given, it takes extra time and scrutiny to ensure there are no mistakes.
The annual report from Lincolnshire’s Senior Coroner Paul Smith says challenges to the system also remain following the creation of the new Greater Lincolnshire area after the merger of two previous geographic teams.
Despite the challenges of inheriting a massive case backlog, new legislation and the increasing use of AI, Mr Smith says the service is in a ‘much stronger position that it was only a few years ago.’
His report is due to go before the county council on July 21 and members are requested to note the progress and performance. He is retiring from the role next month.
The average 47-week wait for inquests is above the national average of 31 weeks but the service completed 932 hearings last year and is continuing to work on the remaining backlog along with new referrals.
“Bereaved families and loved ones are always kept at the heart of the coronial process,” the report says.
