Cheshire East Council has made changes to its births, marriages and deaths registration service due to the impact of the current Covid-19 outbreak.
They say changes have been made to ensure safety of staff and customers and to focus resources more effectively.
It means changes to the way deaths and births are registered, as well as notices for marriage and civil partnerships.
With immediate effect the changes are:
● All death registrations will be conducted via phone. The service is liaising with Leighton Hospital, Macclesfield General Hospital and GP surgeries across Cheshire East. Anyone needing to book an appointment to register a death should call 0300 123 5019;
● Birth registrations are currently suspended until we are through the current pandemic period. Claims for Child Benefit and Universal Credit can still be made;
● The taking of notices of marriage and civil partnership are also suspended; and
● The Register Office is currently closed to the public. Certificates can be ordered via our website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/register_office/duplicate_certificates.aspx
A spokesman for the council said: “Over the last couple of weeks the service’s ceremonies team has been in contact with hundreds of couples who have weddings or civil partnerships booked in Cheshire East over the coming months.
“At present, no ceremonies can be conducted and many couples have already moved their ceremony to later this year or to 2021.
“The service is being as flexible as possible in accommodating couples who need to change the date of their ceremony.”
Any couples who have concerns over bookings can contact the service by email at [email protected]
Updates will be provided on the service’s website at www.yourceremony.org.uk
More than 2,000 couples marry or enter into a civil partnership in Cheshire East every year.
Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: “Our registration service is currently experiencing a very high number of inquiries due to the unprecedented impact of Covid-19.
“We do understand people’s concerns but we would ask customers to please bear with us.
“Please be assured that we will respond to enquiries as soon as we can – but there will inevitably be a delay.
“We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding at this challenging time.”
The council is reviewing services on an ongoing basis and regular updates will be provided via the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
My partner Susan and I have a marriage ceremony arranged for 25/07/20 at Crewe Reg Office. We have had no contact from your offices as to the viability of this date and with only some 10 weeks to go I would appreciate a phone call on 07986 132015 or contact via email.
with thanks
Harry Saxton