Claudia friends hail new law to cut red tape over missing people

The Government will announce today that it is looking to introduce a certificate of presumed death in a bid to cut the red tape that families of missing people face.

The Yorkshire Post understands that the new law could be brought in by next spring, and it is expected that about 40 certificates will be issued each year in England and Wales. But Ministers have resisted plans for the power of legal guardianship for missing people, and discussions are under way with the Law Commission about a detailed project on the issue.

Miss Lawrence’s father, Peter, 65, a solicitor from York, has been at the forefront of the campaign to introduce new legislation to aid families faced with dealing with the affairs of missing loved ones.

His spokesman, Martin Dales, from Old Malton in North Yorkshire, said: “It is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. We need a full package of legislation to be introduced at the earliest opportunity to help minimise the heartache of thousands of families who are faced with loved ones going missing.”

The Justice Select Committee published recommendations in February which called for an end to a “crazy paving” of different provisions under existing laws. Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly claimed the changes to be announced today are aimed at giving a “simple legal framework”.

He said: “We recognise the emotional rollercoaster faced by families who are left behind. Having a family member disappear, with no trace, will always be a confusing and difficult time for any family to have to go through.”

Miss Lawrence was 35 when she was last seen near her York home in March 2009. The missing person inquiry was upgraded to a murder investigation the following month.