Overview

The Registration of Marriage (No. 2) Bill aims to modernize and simplify the registration of marriages in England and Wales. It grants the Secretary of State and the Registrar General powers to create regulations streamlining the processes involved in marriage registration, aiming for greater efficiency and consistency.

Description

Key Powers Granted:

The bill primarily grants the Secretary of State the power to create regulations concerning marriage registration in England and Wales. This includes the ability to amend or repeal existing legislation related to marriage registration. Specifically, the bill allows for changes to the 1949 Marriage Act to simplify the documentation required for registering marriages. These changes will consolidate the number of certificates needed, introduce new documentation like a "marriage schedule" and "marriage document" and adjust the processes surrounding document signing and delivery to registrars.

Registrar General's Role:

The bill empowers the Registrar General to create further regulations. This includes defining the format of new documents, outlining processes for correcting or reissuing documents, establishing procedures for maintaining marriage records, and setting guidelines for record-keeping in churches and chapels.

Offences and Penalties:

The bill introduces a potential offense for failing to comply with regulations regarding the delivery of signed documents to a superintendent registrar's office, with a potential fine as a penalty.

Parliamentary Scrutiny:

Regulations created under the bill are subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Some regulations must be laid before and approved by both Houses of Parliament; others are subject to annulment by a resolution of either House.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs associated will likely stem from the administrative work involved in implementing new regulations and updating existing systems. The overall effect on government spending remains uncertain and will depend on how these regulations are implemented and enforced.

Groups Affected

• Couples getting married: Will experience changes in the documentation and processes involved in their marriage registration.
• Clergy: Will be impacted by the new processes for issuing documentation related to marriage registration.
• Registrars of marriages: Will have altered responsibilities relating to the reception and processing of marriage documents.
• Superintendent registrars: Will see changes in their responsibilities and administrative burdens related to marriage registration.
• Registrar General: Will have increased responsibilities in overseeing the regulation of marriage registration and record-keeping.
• Churches and Chapels: The bill sets parameters for maintaining records of marriages solemnized according to the rites of the Church of England.

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