Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Malcolm Burge
Ref: 2015-0072
Date: 27 Feb 2015
Coroner: Michael Rose
Area: Somerset (West)
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted that Newham Council's communication methods did not accommodate the deceased's difficulties with age, mental awareness, and lack of modern technology skills, preventing him from addressing his debt. This lack of accessible communication contributed to the events leading to his death.
Date
27 Feb 2015
56-day deadline
24 Apr 2015 est.
estimated from the report date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted that Newham Council's communication methods did not accommodate the deceased's difficulties with age, mental awareness, and lack of modern technology skills, preventing him from addressing his debt. This lack of accessible communication contributed to the events leading to his death.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On the 28 June 2014 Malcolm David BURGE (the deceased) died at Southmead Hospital, Bristol having earlier that day set light to himself and his car in a car park at the Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Circumstances of the death
At the Inquest evidence was given that the deceased owed Newham Council (the Council) £800.69 in respect of overpaid housing benefit and council tax benefit.
The Court understand that the deceased had never before owed money or been in debt but due to a number of factors in particular his age, lack of mental awareness, inability to both understand and use the internet and modern telephone procedures communicate his problems to the Council and as a result took the drastic action that brought about his death.
The Court understand that the deceased had never before owed money or been in debt but due to a number of factors in particular his age, lack of mental awareness, inability to both understand and use the internet and modern telephone procedures communicate his problems to the Council and as a result took the drastic action that brought about his death.
Action should be taken
Before any proceedings are taken by the Council for recover money from any person resident or formerly resident in their area an Officer of the Council should attempt to establish whether or not the debtor is both fully aware of the proceedings and if either because of his/her age or mental ability appears unable to agree a plan to repay the monies attempt to see the debtor in person to explain what is involved and otherwise assist the debtor or ensure that he/she visits some responsible organisation such as the Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Similar PFD reports
Report details
- Reference
- 2015-0072
- Date of report
- 27 February 2015
- Coroner
- Michael Rose
- Coroner area
- Somerset (West)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 24 Apr 2015 (estimated from the report date).
Sent to
- Newham Council