Shropshire’s registration service enjoys successful year

Shropshire County Council's registration service continued to improve the services it offers to the county's residents in the past 12 months, whilst further enhancing its reputation locally and nationally, county councillors will hear next week.

A report to be presented to the council's Corporate Support Services scrutiny panel next week (Tuesday 15 January) shows that 2007 was a successful year for the service, and saw a number of significant developments.

In April 2007 the service was awarded the government’s Charter Mark in recognition of the excellent customer service it provides. And in July 2007 the county council took full responsibility for the local management of the service, meaning it is now able to determine where register offices should be located and their opening hours – without needing the approval of the Registrar General.

In this financial year so far, 122 adults and 12 children have been awarded British citizenship at ceremonies run by the service – compared to 90 adults and 16 children in the whole of the previous year and generating an extra £5000 of income.

And since the introduction of a new nationality checking service in October 2006 more than 400 applications have been processed by registration service staff, generating £11,000 of income.

Last year also saw the Whitchurch register office successfully relocated to The Talbot Centre, and its opening hours increased from 8 to 12 per week.

However, the report says that moves to introduce the government’s new online registration system were postponed on the government’s instruction after problems were experienced with the system in Shropshire and other areas.

Phil Box, Chairman of the Corporate Support Services scrutiny panel, said: “This report shows that Shropshire has one of the best registration services in the country, and one that continues to provide excellent services to the people of Shropshire.”

Richard Thomas, Democratic Services Manager with Shropshire County Council said: “Since the service was reorganised in 2005 there have been significant improvements to way the service is run, and the range and quality of services we offer to residents. This is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the staff within the service.”

The report also says that in 2008/2009 the service will be examining the introduction of civil funerals, and increasing the number of offices that provide the nationality checking service.

Further information
The nationality checking service is run in partnership with the Home Office and offers help to people applying for British citizenship. Register Office staff in Shrewsbury are authorised to check that applications for British nationality are completed correctly, that all necessary documentation has been submitted, and that the appropriate fee has been paid.

10 January 2008