Decision details
Registry Service – recommencement of wedding services
Decision Maker: Assistant Director Law and Governance
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
As a result of lockdown, from 24 March 2020
wedding ceremonies ceased to be able to take place.
As part of the review of lockdown and the easing of restriction
from the 4 July 2020 the Government announced that wedding
ceremonies could take place from 4 July 2020, with some
restrictions.
A decision needs to be made about the recommencement weddings in a
way that protects the public and staff.
General Registry Office guidance was issued on 29 June 2020 and
this has been taken into account.
Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission
risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts
considered:
Because of the restrictions, many people have chosen to postpone
weddings and the numbers booking or rebooking marriage ceremonies
are likely to continue to be down with a consequential loss of
income.
The need to continue to protect the public attending weddings and
key staff (Registrars) to deliver priority services (Birth and
death registration).
The need to ensure that the services we provide are done so in
accordance with current guidance on social distancing and public
health guidance.
The disappointment people will feel in no longer being able to have
the numbers of guests that they were expecting to be able to attend
a wedding/ceremony.
Equality Impacts - consider separate impact assessment where
appropriate:
No direct impacts.
Decision:
In order to limit viral transmission risks and
maintain a 2 metre social distance the following number limitations
will apply when wedding ceremonies restart on 4 July 2020.
Statutory Marriage Room – couple + 2 witnesses.
Council Chamber Foyer – Couple + 6 guests.
Council Chamber – Couple + 16 guests
[Hotels – 30 guests including registrars, couple being
married and 26 guests which includes photographers and
musicians].
Reason - To support service recommencement and the protection of
public health.
Alternative options considered:
None considered.
Publication date: 03/07/2020
Date of decision: 03/07/2020