It is unacceptable that the people who have been bereaved are not entitled to automatic non-means tested legal aid at inquests into multiple deaths following a public disaster. These inquests are complex and ‘equality of arms’ is a fundamental requirement to make sure those who have been bereaved can participate fully. The Ministry of Justice should introduce an automatic entitlement to non-means tested legal aid for legal representation for bereaved people at inquests into mass fatalities. (...

It is unacceptable that the people who have been bereaved are not entitled to automatic non-means tested legal aid at inquests into multiple deaths following a public disaster. These inquests are complex and ‘equality of arms’ is a fundamental requirement to make sure those who have been bereaved can participate fully. The Ministry of Justice should introduce an automatic entitlement to non-means tested legal aid for legal representation for bereaved people at inquests into mass fatalities. (Paragraph 180) Addressing fatal risks identified by coroners and inquest juries Type: conclusion | Number: 24 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The Government believes that inquests should remain inquisitorial in nature and that legal representation should not be necessary at all inquests. However, the Government will be considering its approach to legal aid for inquests as part of its response to Bishop James Jones’ report of his review of