Overview

The Registration of Marriage (No. 2) Bill aims to modernize and simplify the registration process for marriages in England and Wales. It grants the Secretary of State and Registrar General powers to create regulations streamlining the documentation and record-keeping involved in registering marriages, aiming for greater efficiency and clarity.

Description

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

• Single Marriage Schedule: Replacing the current requirement of two certificates with a single document for registering Part 3 marriages (marriages not conducted in a religious building).
• Marriage Document for Clergy: Requiring clergy officiating a marriage to issue or ensure the issuance of a "marriage document" for registration purposes.
• Streamlined Documentation: The bill addresses the signing, delivery, and record-keeping of marriage schedules and documents.
• Central Marriage Register: Mandating the Registrar General to maintain a central register of all marriages in England and Wales.
• Offence for Non-Compliance: Introducing a fine for individuals failing to comply with regulations related to document delivery.
• Registrar General's Powers: Empowering the Registrar General to create regulations concerning document formats, corrections, and record-keeping, subject to the Secretary of State's approval.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any new government spending. The costs associated with implementing the new regulations are likely to be absorbed within existing Home Office and Registrar General budgets. No specific figures are provided within the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Couples getting married in England and Wales: Will experience a potentially simplified registration process.
• Clergy officiating marriages: Will have new responsibilities regarding the issuance of marriage documents.
• Registrars of marriages: Will have altered procedures for receiving and processing marriage documentation.
• Registrar General's Office: Will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the central marriage register.
• Individuals failing to comply with regulations: May face fines.

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