The addition of a third courtroom to Bolton Coroner's Court is almost £200,000 over budget, a report suggests.

It comes as the court attempts to address a backlog in inquests caused by coronavirus and by changes to the law.

A report for consideration by council leader Martyn Cox this week suggests Manchester West, a coroner's area which includes Bolton, Salford and Wigan, is of 'the highest complexity'.

It is one of the top 10 jurisdictions nationwide in terms of reported deaths, with up to 50 per cent more reported deaths than the other jurisdictions in the region of Manchester City (Manchester), Manchester North (Bury, Oldham and Rochdale) and Manchester South (Stockport, Tameside and Trafford).

Around eight years ago, there were improvements to Bolton Coroner's Court to address this demand.

But a backlog in inquests caused by coronavirus and by changes to the law means this is not enough.

In April, a plan was approved for the addition of a third courtroom to Paderborn House, where the Manchester West coroner's area is based alongside a number of other council services.

But this was on the basis of an estimated overall cost of a little over £720,000 for the creation of the third courtroom and the relocation of these other council services.

Now, the estimated overall cost is a little over £910,000 and the work is on hold as a result.

Cllr Cox is anticipated to approve a continuation on the basis of the new budget this week, with the difference from the old budget to be covered by corporate reserves.

Bolton Council is not the only body responsible for the cost of the work, which is split with Salford Council and Wigan Council relative to their population.

With a larger population than Salford but a smaller population than Wigan, its portion in the new budget is around £300,000, up more than £60,000 from the old budget.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "Rising prices are impacting all development and renovation projects and these challenges are not unique to Bolton.

"Since the original proposals, changes have also been made to the building’s layout in order to greatly enhance the service that the Manchester West coroner’s office is able to provide to the local community.

"These alterations have increased the overall cost and, in line with normal process, the leader of the council will now be asked to approve the additional budget.

"These extra costs would be shared across the three councils."