Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 2: Registration Service Sections 70 to 72 Minor amendments to the Registration Service Act 1953
252.These sections make certain minor amendments to the Registration Service Act 1953. These are largely consequential to the change of registrars’ employment status. They also remove certain powers currently vested in the Registrar General, including the power to remove registrars from office.
253.Section 70 contains amendments to the Registration Service Act 1953 consequential to the transfer of registrars and superintendent registrars into local government employment. The amendments remove the right of the Registrar General to dismiss registrars and superintendents. They also remove the need for registrars to account to the Registrar General for the registration fees they collect, as after they become local authority employees, they will be accountable to the local authority.
254.Section 71 removes the current provision whereby superintendent registrars and registrars can appoint their own deputies and places the responsibility for the appointment of all deputies on the local authority.
255.Section 72 removes the power under which the Registrar General or superintendent registrars may appoint new registrars of marriage.