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Executive (I)
Friday, 20th September, 2013

REPORT TO:10
DECISION NUMBER:PH/95/2013
EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION:20th September 2013

DEMOCRATIC SERVICES REVIEW OF FEES AND CHARGES 2013/ 2014
Matter for Consideration:
To consider the changes in fees and charges for the Registrar’s service in two areas for the second half of the financial year 2013/ 2014.

Information:
The table below outlines proposals for revised fees and charges for the some aspects of the registrars service from the 1st October 2013. There is also a proposal to introduce a fee for the holding of Naming Days on Sundays at Festival House following a number of requests. It is recommended that a charge of £199 is introduced to include a commemorative certificate, also from 1st October 2013.

There is also a proposal to increase charges for the Nationality Checking Service, due to the changes to the service which come into effect on 1st October 2013. Qualifications to become a British Citizen have now been raised and the process has become more complex due to further criteria which have now been included. This will make the process a lot longer and the charges reflect that.

National Checking Service
Current charge Proposed charge
- Single Adult £50 £60
- Husband and Wife £75 £100
- Children (Under 18) £25 £30
- Family (Husband, Wife and Up to 2 Children) £100 £140
- Additional Children £25 £25

Does the information submitted include any exempt information?NO
Legal Considerations:
The Council is adjusting its charges to reflect market conditions and to ensure the safety of those staff carrying out the Registrations.
Personnel Considerations:
None
Financial Considerations:
The proposed fees aim to cover employee costs, resources and time.
Performance Management Considerations:
There will be ongoing monitoring of performance against the targets set for income.
Risk Management Considerations:
Increasing the current levels of patronage to meet income generation targets.
Relevant Officer:
Mark Towers, Head of Democratic Services
Relevant Cabinet Member:
Councillor S. Blackburn
Consultation Undertaken:
None
Background Papers:
None
Is this a key decision?NO
Is the decision required in less than 5 days?NO
Recommendations:
To approve the new table of fees and charges for the Registrar’s Service from 1st October 2013 listed at paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, to accommodate requests for naming ceremonies and changes in legislation to the National Checking Service.
Reasons for Recommendations:
To set charges which reflect staff time and resources which are required to deliver the proposed changes and demand.
Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council?NO
Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget?YES
Other alternative options to be considered:
To not change the fees or to change the fees in a different way.
Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate)
Date Informed: N/A
Date Approved: N/A
DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable)
None
Decision:
The Leader of the Council agreed the recommendation as outlined above namely: To approve the new table of fees and charges for the Registrar’s Service from 1st October 2013 listed at paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, to accommodate requests for naming ceremonies and changes in legislation to the National Checking Service.
Date:20th September 2013
Reason for Decision:
To set charges which reflect staff time and resources which are required to deliver the proposed changes and demand.

Date of Publication:		20th September 2013


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