Under The Coroners Allowances, Fees and Expenses Regulations 2013, which came into force on 25th July 2013, GPs cannot charge for providing a Coroner’s Report.
When a GP provides a written report or statement for the Coroner, they are considered a witness of fact, meaning they are supplying factual information rather than an expert opinion. There is no fee payable to the GP for the preparation of this statement.
If a GP is required to attend an inquest to give evidence as a witness of fact, they may claim an allowance for their time. The current fees, as set by the 2013 regulations, are:
This allowance is intended to compensate for time spent attending the inquest but does not apply to the preparation of written reports. Travel expenses may also be reimbursed.
If a GP is requested to give evidence as an expert witness, this falls outside the scope of the regulations, and they may negotiate a separate fee.
For further information on coroner-related matters, please refer to the Ministry of Justice guidance or contact your local coroner’s office.