Explanatory note

This Order makes provision about coroners in consequence of the provisions of the Devon (City of Plymouth and Borough of Torbay) (Structural Change) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1865) which creates new counties of Plymouth and Torbay on 1st April 1998.

Article 2(1) of this Order combines the county of Plymouth with part of the county of Devon to form a single coroner’s district. Article 2(2) makes the council of the city of Plymouth the relevant council for the purposes of the Coroners Act 1988. The relevant council is responsible for the appointment of coroners and has other functions in connection with coroners under that Act.

Article 3 of this Order makes similar provision for the county of Torbay. Article 3(3) provides for the person who, on 31st March 1998, holds the office of coroner for Torbay and South Devon to continue as coroner for the new coroner’s district.

Article 4 makes transitional arrangements to ensure continuity as respects the coroners for the new coroners' districts.