Purpose

The purpose of this
report is to seek Cabinet approval to redesign the Registration
service including a proposed consolidation of activity into a
single site.
 
Consultation will be undertaken
following a decision by Cabinet and will include the General
Registration Office and Service users.
 

Content

RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That authority be given for the Registration service to consult
with and obtain the required approval from the General Registration
Office (GRO) on the proposed new local scheme.

2)   
That it be noted that any consolidation to one central site would
only be agreed following due process with the GRO.

3)   
That authority be given to re-design the Registration Service
including options to (i) consolidate
into a central main site in Huddersfield for delivering all
Registration services with wedding ceremonies still taking place at
Dewsbury Town Hall and at wedding venues across North Kirklees,
(ii) for Needs led support – ensuring that the impact of
consolidation be reviewed, and adjustments considered in light of
the experience, including holistic support to individuals and the
feasibility of offering place-based service delivery where the need
was identified.

4)   
That a full review of the Registration Service fees and charges set
by the council be made annually based on benchmarking with other
local Registration districts and implemented in year from 2025/26
and reviewed annually thereafter.

5)   
That it be noted the final decision would only be made following
the consultation with, and approval from, the GRO and that
authority be delegated the to the Strategic Director for Adults and
Health in consultation with the cabinet portfolio holder for a
decision on site arrangements.