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Registers of Births and Deaths Bill

16 October 2020

Proposing MP
Andrew Mitchell Con
Sutton Coldfield
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses a Bill aimed at modernizing the registration of births and deaths in England and Wales by transitioning from a paper-based system to an electronic register. Andrew Mitchell is discussing his Registers of Births and Deaths Bill which aims to modernize birth and death registration processes by moving from paper to electronic registers. The statement supports the Registers of Births and Deaths Bill which aims to modernise birth and death registration processes. Andrew Mitchell is addressing concerns about his Registers of Births and Deaths Bill, particularly regarding fraud risks and the reliability of electronic systems. The statement discusses the Registers of Births and Deaths Bill, aimed at reducing costs by eliminating duplicate registration processes. The statement discusses the Registers of Births and Deaths Bill, which aims to modernise birth and death registration processes by moving from paper-based systems to digital methods.

Action Requested

The MP proposes the Bill to remove the requirement for maintaining paper birth and death registers, introducing a single electronic register instead. This change aims to improve efficiency and security without altering who can provide information or what information is recorded.

Key Facts

  • The current legislation requires keeping both an electronic and paper record since 2009.
  • The Bill would eliminate the need for duplicate paper records, streamlining the registration process.
  • The purpose is to modernize a system that dates back to 1837.
  • The Bill amends the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.
  • Removing paper-based processes would save the taxpayer £90 million on registrations of deaths over 10 years.
  • Over the next 10 years, total savings are estimated to be £170 million for the taxpayer.
  • The Bill includes provisions for electronic registration, which would eliminate the need for face-to-face services and paper registers.
  • The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 governs birth and death registrations.
  • The Bill aims to save between £90 million and £170 million over the next 10 years by removing duplication of processes.
  • The Registration Online (RON) system has been used temporarily during the covid pandemic for registering deaths in Croydon.
  • Andrew Mitchell is the sponsor of the Registers of Births and Deaths Bill.
  • The Bill aims to streamline processes and save £20 million over 10 years by eliminating hard copy back-ups.
  • Christopher Chope expresses concerns about fraud risks and loss of historical record integrity.
  • The Bill aims to cut costs by removing duplicate registration processes.
  • The savings are estimated at £20 million over a decade.
  • Initial setup costs will be recovered in a matter of months.
  • It promotes the green economy through reduced paper usage.
  • The current system of registering births and deaths is based on a paper process set up in 1837.
  • An electronic register (RON system) has been used since 2009 but still requires paper records due to primary legislation.
  • The Bill aims to save £170 million over 10 years by moving to digital methods and streamlining processes.
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