Overview

The Marriage Registration Bill aims to modernize and streamline the registration process for marriages in England and Wales. It grants the Secretary of State and the Registrar General powers to create regulations to update the existing system, improving efficiency and clarity.

Description

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

• Simplified Marriage Schedule: Allowing a single document instead of two for registering Part 3 marriages (marriages under specific provisions of the 1949 Act).
• Clergy's Role: Requiring clergy officiating at church weddings to issue or ensure the issuance of a "marriage document" for registration.
• Document Signing and Delivery: Establishing regulations for the signing and delivery of marriage schedules and documents to registrars, potentially including penalties for non-compliance.
• Centralized Register: Mandating the Registrar General to maintain a national marriage register for England and Wales.
• Registrar General's Powers: Granting the Registrar General authority to create regulations covering document formats, corrections, record-keeping, and storage of marriage records, subject to the Secretary of State's approval.
• Offences and Penalties: Introducing penalties (fines) for failure to comply with regulations related to the delivery of marriage documents.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify the financial implications. The costs will likely involve administrative changes for the Home Office, Registrar General's office, and potentially local authorities in managing the new registration system. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Couples getting married in England and Wales: Will experience a potentially simplified and more efficient registration process.
• Clergy: Will face new responsibilities regarding the issuance of marriage documents.
• Registrars: Will have altered procedures and responsibilities in managing the registration process.
• Home Office and Registrar General's Office: Will be responsible for creating and enforcing new regulations.
• Individuals failing to comply with new regulations: May face fines.

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