Decision details

[R&E] COVID-19 - Reinstatement of Ceremonies

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

1. That it be noted marriages and civil partnerships ceremonies are to take place from 4th July in line with government and GRO guidelines and associated venue risk assessments.
2. That Civil Partnership ceremonies are suspended until such time as UKVI and GRO issue a directive on when and how to restart safely.
3. That the Council waive the statutory notice fee of £35 per person for couples which have had to change their ceremony date due to COVID-19, making their initial paperwork out of date.
4. That the Council waive the statutory notice fee of £35 per person for couples which have had to change venue as a direct result of COVID-19 their initial venue has closed for business permanently.
5. That the Council charge the statutory fee of £35 per person where the couple intend on changing their marriage venue on re-scheduling through personal choice.
6. That Culture, Sport & Tourism management will continue to work with customers and the Council’s communications team in order to ensure the latest information is provided to the public in relation to the Registration Service.
7. That appropriate plans are drafted in relation to potential suspension of ceremonies where a local lockdown is implemented.


Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

 

2 July 2020

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Paul Woodcock

Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

1.    That it be noted marriages and civil partnerships ceremonies are to take place from 4th July in line with government and GRO guidelines and associated venue risk assessments.

2.    That Civil Partnership ceremonies are suspended until such time as UKVI and GRO issue a directive on when and how to restart safely.

3.    That the Council waive the statutory notice fee of £35 per person for couples which have had to change their ceremony date due to COVID-19, making their initial paperwork out of date.

4.    That the Council waive the statutory notice fee of £35 per person for couples which have had to change venue as a direct result of COVID-19 their initial venue has closed for business permanently.

5.    That the Council charge the statutory fee of £35 per person where the couple intend on changing their marriage venue on re-scheduling through personal choice.

6.    That appropriate plans are drafted in relation to potential suspension of ceremonies where a local lockdown is implemented.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

The Government has relaxed restrictions to allow small gatherings; therefore, it is necessary to reinstate ceremonies as safely as possible.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

None considered

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

 

No conflicts of interest declared

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

Not applicable

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

Report to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment - Reinstatement of ceremonies – COVID-19 – 3 July 2020

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to reinstate ceremonies as part of the relaxation of restrictions introduced by Government during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:            3 July 2020

 

Name:            Paul Woodcock                             

Job Title:      Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

 

 

Publication date: 03/07/2020

Date of decision: 03/07/2020

Accompanying Documents: