Kirklees Together

Councillors have approved proposals that mean Registration Services could be offered from a single site in Kirklees. 

Services offered 

Kirklees Registration Service currently operates from Civic Centre 1 in Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Hall in North Kirklees where residents can register births, death, marriages, civil partnerships, as well as hold citizenship ceremonies, memorials, and baby naming ceremonies.  

Statutory approval 

At a cabinet meeting today (20 Feb) councillors agreed to start a consultation with the General Registration Office (GRO) to obtain the necessary statutory approval for the changes that would see more efficient use of infrastructure. Conversations with other key stakeholders impacted by the proposed changes will also take place including with funeral directors and bereavement services. 

Where will services be in the future? 

Data shows that the Huddersfield site is used the most therefore all Registration Services would be offered from Civic Centre 1, Huddersfield subject to final approval. Ceremonies will continue to take place at Huddersfield Town Hall, Dewsbury Town Hall and at wedding venues across North and South Kirklees. The vacated space in Dewsbury Town Hall will become available to deliver other council services for the residents of North Kirklees. 

Impact of changes  

The impact of the proposal to move to a central site will be evaluated and reviewed, with adjustments to be considered accordingly, including the feasibility of additional part time sites for birth and death registration, utilising existing council facilities to provide these services.  

Changes to fees 

A review of fees and charges for 2025/26 onwards will also take place to remain competitive. The review will consider inflation rates as well as use benchmarking of the proposed charges by other local Registration districts. 

Councillor Paul Davies, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate said:

“Registration Services are used at key milestones in peoples’ lives and it is important that we continue to deliver quality services for the residents of Kirklees so they can mark these occasions in a manner that is important to them. We also must look at the best way of delivering these services in a challenging financial environment.  

“By consulting with statutory bodies and other key stakeholders, we will ensure that all residents who require Registration Services support receive it in as timely a manner as possible.”