Agenda item

(To receive a report from James Chapple, Head of Registration and Coroners Services, which invites the Committee to review and comment on the progress and performance of the Registration and Celebratory Service)

Consideration was given to a report from James Chapple, Head of Registration, Celebratory and Coroners Services, which invited the Committee to review and comment on the progress and performance of the Registration and Celebratory Service.

It was highlighted that the Registration Service had made significant progress in service delivery, modernisation, and digitisation during 2022/23.  Reference was made to the new IT system which allowed for online customer appointment bookings of birth, death, and notice appointments.  It was highlighted that this had been well received by the public. 

Reference was also made to: the online bookings for weddings and civil partnerships being introduced later in the year; the introduction of a new feedback mechanism via the Council’s Let’s Talk Lincolnshire platform; and that the Medical Examiner roll out continued across the county, which would provide greater scrutiny of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.  It was noted that this was due to become statutory in 2024; that the number of birth registrations had increased, and confirmation was given that appointment availability across the county remained very good and that there was no backlogs relating to birth registration; there had been an increase in demand for bookings for weddings and civil partnerships; and that legislation to allow for telephone birth and death registration had been delayed.

During consideration of this item, some of the following comments were noted:

·       Confirmation was given that a hybrid model was operated for all the services which allowed for online and telephone contact.  It was highlighted that a lot of customers preferred the online option;

·       One member expressed concern regarding the registering of a death via the telephone and the implications of fraud.  The Committee was advised that the process was to be implemented by the Home Office and would meet public protection and fraud measures.  Reassurance was given that with the National Medical Examiner Scheme there would be even greater scrutiny of the cause of deaths; 

·       It was noted that a Baby Naming Ceremony allowed parents who did not choose to have their baby christened to have a non-statutory ceremony.  It was noted that these were becoming more popular and that was one of the reasons Lincolnshire wanted to introduce them;

·       An explanation was provided as to the role of the Medical Examiner;

·       That the target for death registrations was not being met.  It was noted that registration was currently within five days, and that nationally the target was going to be reviewed as part of the National Medical Examiner Scheme.  The Committee was advised that the service was doing everything they could to meet the target;

·       It was felt that staff would welcome telephone registration.  The Committee noted that the same number of staff were still needed to complete the volume of registrations received.  It was highlighted that telephone registration provided better access for members of the public who were unable to access a registration office.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended thanks to the Head of Registration, Celebratory and Coroners Services for his presentation.

RESOLVED

1.      That the comments highlighted by the Committee on the progress and performance of the service be received.

2.      That satisfaction be recorded with the performance of the Registration and Celebratory Service.

3.      That a progress update on the Registration and Celebratory Service be received in 12 months’ time.