Explanatory note

This Order makes provision about coroners in consquence of the creation of the Counties of Portsmouth and Southampton by article 8 of the Hampshire (Cities of Portsmouth and Southampton) (Structural Change) Order 1995 on 1st April 1997.

Article 2(1) of this Order combines the County of Portsmouth with part of the County of Hampshire to form a single coroner’s district. Article 2(2) makes the County of Hampshire Council the relevant council within the meaning of section 1 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 2(3) provides for the person who, on 31st March 1997, holds the office of coroner for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire to continue as coroner for the new coroner’s district.

Article 3 of this Order makes similar provision for the County of Southampton and the coroner for the Southampton and New Forest Coroner’s District.

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