Overview

This bill, the Marriage Registration Act 2016, aims to modernize and simplify the process of marriage registration in England and Wales. It grants the Secretary of State and the Registrar General powers to create regulations streamlining the documentation and procedures involved in registering marriages, aiming for greater efficiency and clarity.

Description

The bill primarily focuses on amending the Marriage Act 1949. Key changes include:

• Streamlining Marriage Documentation for Part 3 Marriages: A single document ("marriage schedule") will replace the current two certificates required for registering Part 3 marriages (marriages conducted outside the established Church of England).
• Clergy Documentation: Members of the clergy solemnizing marriages authorized by ecclesiastical preliminaries will be required to issue or ensure the issuance of a "marriage document" for registration purposes.
• Regulation of Document Signing and Delivery: Regulations will govern the signing of these documents and their delivery to the registrar. Failure to comply may lead to fines.
• Centralized Marriage Register: The Registrar General will be mandated to maintain a national register of marriages.
• Registrar General's Powers: The Registrar General gains authority to create regulations addressing various aspects, including the format and content of the new documents, correction procedures, record-keeping, and storage of marriage records (both old and new).
• Offences and Penalties: Failure to comply with regulations regarding document delivery can result in a fine.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs are likely to be associated with the implementation of the new regulations, including potential system upgrades for digital record-keeping and staff training. Specific cost estimates would need to be obtained from the relevant government departments.

Groups Affected

• Couples marrying in England and Wales: The simplified registration process should make marriage registration easier and more efficient.
• Clergy in England and Wales: New responsibilities and procedures concerning documentation will affect their administrative tasks.
• Registrars of marriages in England and Wales: Their roles will adapt to the new processes and documentation.
• The Registrar General for England and Wales: Takes on increased responsibility for managing the national marriage register and overseeing related regulations.
• The Home Office: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Act and associated regulations.

Powered by nyModel