Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for the suggested increase in fees for marriage ceremonies conducted at the Register Officer and at Approved Premises in the City of York from 1^st April 2008 to 31^st March 2009, and the process involved.  It also seeks approval to adopt a change to charges for certificate supply, based on service quality, and fees charged by competing authorities.  It updates Members on the change in employment status of some Members of the Registration Service, and the current services and projects that York Registration and Celebratory Services offer and are embarked upon, and seeks a recommendation to Full Council to transfer Proper Officer responsibility from the Head of Public Services to the Director of Resources.

PART A – DEALT WITH UNDER DELEGATED POWERS

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)         That the proposed fees (see paragraph 9 and 12) be approved to be charged in order to maintain the drive to make the service cost effective, still offering value for money and choice to the citizens of York for a superior service, whilst remaining competitive compared to neighbouring Register Offices. National charges would also still apply;

(ii)        That the change in employment status of five members of staff be noted.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:To increase income, whilst retaining customer choice, to achieve a self financing service.

(See also Part B decision)

Members considered a report which sought approval for the suggested increase in fees for marriage ceremonies conducted at the Register Officer and at Approved Premises in the City of York from 1^st April 2008 to 31^st March 2009, and the process involved.  It also sought approval to adopt a change to charges for certificate supply, based on service quality, and fees charged by competing authorities. It updated Members on the change in employment status of some Members of the Registration Service, and the current services and projects that York Registration and Celebratory Services offer and were embarked upon, and sought a recommendation to Full Council to transfer Proper Officer responsibility from the Head of Public Services to the Director of Resources.

It was recommended that the marriage ceremony fees were restructured to charge higher rates for weekends and Bank holidays when the cost of providing the service was higher, and not increasing fees during the week, whilst maintaining the availability of ceremonies at the national fee. The revised fees had taken into account the increased fees in the surrounding areas, and therefore the proposed fee structure for 2008/09 was:

·        Bootham Suite Large Room Mon/Thurs £150 (currently £150) No change

·        Bootham Suite Large Room Fri / Sat £200 (currently £150)

·        Bootham Suite small room Mon/Thurs £75 (currently £43.50 national fee)

·        Bootham Suite small room Fri/Sat £100 (currently £43.50 – national fee)

·        Approved Premises Mon/ Thurs £375 (currently £375)

·        Approved Premises Fri and Sat £425 (currently £375)

·        Sunday / Bank Holidays £475 (currently £425)

·        Fee for approving a venue for marriages £2000 for 3 year licence (currently £1,750)

·        Statutory Register Office Ceremony – Registrar’s office  (national fee -£43.50 – no change)

It was also recommended that a certificate fee structure be developed reflecting the speed of service, the method of payment, and special requests for pre-ordering and alternative postal services. The proposed fee structure for 2008/9 was:

·        Certificate provided while you wait (within 1 hour) £8 – total charge £15.00

·        Certificate provided after 1 hour, but on same day, or posted same day first class £5 – total charge £12.00

·        Certificate provided from phone/electronic information £5 – total charge £12.00

·        Certificate requiring same/next day delivery postal service £15 – total charge £22.00

·        Certificate sent out within 10 days - £7.00

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)         That the proposed fees (see paragraphs 9 and 12) be approved to be charged in order to maintain the drive to make the service cost effective, still offering value for money and choice to the citizens of York for a superior service, whilst remaining competitive compared to neighbouring Register Offices. National charges would also still apply¹;

(ii)        That the change in employment status of five members of staff be noted.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:To increase income, whilst retaining customer choice, to achieve a self financing service.

(See also Part B minute)