On 14 May 2026, the Government released the annual coroner statistics for 2025 in England and Wales. Coroners are independent judicial office holders who investigate certain kinds of death. The statistics can be viewed on the Government website.
An inquest is the public inquiry, conducted by the coroner, to establish the facts surrounding the death. Whilst an inquest is an inquisitorial (rather than adversarial) process, they are often conducted under intense scrutiny, and can carry significant legal, reputational and personal consequences for those affected; particularly if there are ancillary proceedings.
The statistics reveal that in 2025, 36 000 inquests were opened; and the average time taken to complete an inquest remained at 31.3 weeks (around 7.5 months).
Suicide
Suicide conclusions are often the most difficult and emotionally complex inquests. In 2025 there were 5,298 suicide conclusions recorded: an increase to the highest level since the start of the series in 1995. The increase was driven by male suicides, with female suicides falling. It is important to note that these conclusions are recorded after an inquest and so may relate to deaths from the same or earlier years.
The other most common short form conclusions were death by misadventure (9,724) and drugs and alcohol (4,659). Industrial disease conclusions fell by 5% in the last year (to 1,828 cases), the lowest level since 1996.
Prevention of Future Death Reports
In 2025, 654 Prevention of Future Death (PFD) reports were issued by coroners. Coroners have a statutory duty to make a PFD report where, during an investigation, they identify circumstances that create a risk of future deaths. The coroner must issue a report to a person or organisation which has power to take relevant action to prevent future deaths. A PFD report can be issued at any point by a coroner; they need not wait until the end of the inquest.
There is a legal obligation to provide a written response to a PFD report in 56 days; although there is no statutory sanction for failing to do so. There is a presumption that the PFD report and the response will be published online to ensure open justice and to promote learning; however, it is possible to make representations against publication.
Whilst there is no penalty or sanction, failure to respond to a PFD report can now result in being publicly named and shamed – with the name of the organisation or individual who did not respond within the statutory timeframe being published online. It was anticipated that the public "badge of dishonour" would prompt responses. Individuals and corporate bodies will have to carefully consider what they may be able to say in their public response compared to any public criticism associated with not responding.
Please contact Min Wiggins for more information on inquests and the coronial statistics.