This report seeks approval for the following changes to Registration service in Wiltshire
Removal of restrictions on the times for solemnisation of marriage and registration of civil partnershipand to agree the fee to be charged to couples.
i) To request approval for the removal of the restrictions on the times during which marriages may be solemnised and civil partnerships registered. The only limitation placed on time would be the ability of the registration service to provide two officers.
ii) To approve a schedule of fees to be charged to couples for this service.
The result of this change will be to give customers greater choice in the time for their ceremony to take place.
Approve a licensing procedure and fee for religious premises as a civil approved venue
(i) To approve a licensing procedure for proprietors or trustees of religious premises to apply to local authorities for their premises to be made an approved venue for civil partnership registrations.
(ii) To approve a licence fee of £1,700 for the provision of the licence.
The result of this change will enable the registration service to set up a licensing procedure similar to that for civil approved venues for marriage and civil partnerships and cover the cost of the procedure.
Fees Proposed
Removal of restrictions on the times for solemnisation of marriage and registration of civil partnerships
It is proposed that ceremony fees should remain the same as the existing (already approved) day- time fees, with the exception of ceremonies booked to start on or after 10 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. These ceremonies will be subject to the bank holiday fee.
Fig.1 Proposed fees (only change from current fees is highlighted)
Day
|
Marriage |
Civil Partnership Registration |
Civil Partnership with Ceremony |
Naming |
Renewal of Vows |
Monday to Friday |
£385 |
£105 |
£240 |
£170 |
£170 |
Saturday |
£395 |
£127 |
£268 |
£200 |
£200 |
Sunday |
£460 |
£143 |
£284 |
£215 |
£215 |
Bank Holiday includes from 10.00 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve |
£490 |
£164 |
£332 |
£260 |
£260 |
Licensing Religious Buildings for the Registration of Civil Partnerships
It is proposed that the fee for granting an approval to a religious building should be equitable with the fee for a civil venue in Wiltshire.
Proposed Licence fee of £1,700 renewable after three years.
Similarly, it is proposed that the fee for the registrar’s attendance to register a civil partnership should match the fee for a registrar to attend an approved venue to register a civil partnership since the costs are the same (see Fig 2 below) .
Fig 2 Proposed Fees
Day
|
Civil Partnership Registration in a Religious Building |
Monday to Friday |
£105 |
Saturday |
£127 |
Sunday |
£143 |
Bank Holiday includes from 10.00 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve |
£164 |
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Decision due: 14 Sep 2012 by Cabinet Member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services, Heritage & Arts and Customer Care
Lead member: Cllr John Noeken john.noeken@wiltshire.gov.uk
Department: HR & OD
Contact: Jacqui White 01225 713013 email: jacqui.white@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Customers A survey of customers, undertaken by a neighbouring authority, showed that 25% of couples were interested in evening ceremonies with the majority favouring early evening
Approved venues Approved venues have been consulted through the regular newsletter and on visits for licence renewals. Response has been generally muted but open.
Staff -The outcomes of consultation with staff showed that staff felt this was a service that should be provided. They expected the demand will be low initially with a very gradual increase. The consultation highlighted issues relating to health and safety and pay and working hours which have been addressed within Council guidelines.