Overview

This bill aims to modernize the marriage registration system in England and Wales by creating a centralized, electronically accessible register. It simplifies the documentation process for registering marriages and introduces penalties for non-compliance.

Description

The bill grants the Secretary of State the power to create regulations updating the Marriage Act 1949. Key changes include:

• Centralized Electronic Register: Establishment of a national electronic register for all marriages in England and Wales.
• Simplified Documentation: Replacing the current two-certificate system with a single "marriage schedule" for Part 3 marriages (marriages outside of Church of England and Church in Wales).
• Clergy Involvement: Requiring clergy to issue or ensure issuance of a "marriage document" for marriages under ecclesiastical preliminaries.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Introducing fines for individuals failing to deliver signed documentation to the registrar's office.
• Registrar General's Powers: Empowering the Registrar General to create further regulations concerning document formats, corrections, and record-keeping.
• Repeal of outdated legislation: The power to repeal and amend previous legislation related to marriage registration.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct changes to government spending. The costs associated with implementing the new system (e.g., development and maintenance of the electronic register) may be incurred, but no figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Couples marrying in England and Wales: Experience a simplified registration process with potentially more efficient access to marriage certificates.
• Clergy: Required to adapt their procedures to comply with new documentation requirements.
• Registrars: Responsible for managing the new electronic register and potentially enforcing penalties.
• Individuals involved in marriage registration: May face fines for non-compliance with new regulations.

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