Update 16th January 2017 On 9th January my lawyers sent a letter before action to the Coroner setting out the grounds on which I consider the refusal to open an Investigation / Inquest into my brother’s death is unlawful. This is the first stage in a judicial review challenge – the legal mechanism for challenging in Court decisions made by public bodies. I hope the letter will change the Coroner’s mind, however if the Coroner continues to refuse my request, the next step at the end of this month / early February is for legal proceedings to be issued. On the 12th December I attended the Public Accounts Committee. Its purpose was to take evidence following the National Audit Office report on the functioning of the benefit sanctions implemented by the Department for Work and Pensions and their effectiveness. See link: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/benefit-sanctions-16-17/ This meeting along with many written statements highlighted the impact and effectiveness of Benefit Sanctions. At the PAC meeting they discussed many things including support and behaviour change and sanctioning of the vulnerable. Financial sanctions it seems are meant to create a behavioural change, but surely as seen in many cases it is not a behaviour change and sanctions that are needed, but support and care for the vulnerable in our society. At the close of the meeting the Chair of the Committee brought up about the death of my brother, stating: “… are you confident that a sad death such as his will not happen to other people and that the system will pick up vulnerabilities in main jobseekers ? David, (mentioned at the end of the report) like so many others, was doing his best, but sadly at a time when he most needed support, he was sanctioned. We await the Public Accounts Committee (hopefully encouraging) Report shortly and will send an update when published. Thank you again for your continued support and financial contributions - it is so helpful and much appreciated. Best Gill PS: feel free to get in touch direct should you wish at: gill.a4u@outlook.com