REGISTRATION services for births, marriages and deaths will be moved into libraries, town halls and hospitals under council money-saving plans.
Essex County Council is creating new “community hubs” across the county which will see a range of services provided under one roof.
In Braintree, the registration services currently within John Ray House in Bocking End will move to Braintree Library in Manor Street.
Existing registration points at Halstead Hospital and Witham Library will remain.
Essex County Council leader David Finch said: “This year the council needs to make over £75 million in savings in order to provide a balanced budget, and this is only going to get tougher in years to come.
“However we have been very clear that this isn’t simply about cutting costs, but actually re-modelling services to provide them in the most efficient and effective way for the taxpayer.
“We are currently in a position where in many towns the registration office is in one place, the library another, and you may need to go to the town hall in a separate location to get council tax, benefit or housing advice.
“We believe the common sense solution is to bring these services into one building to create a community hub within an existing space such as our libraries or town halls, which are by their nature in easily accessible locations.”
Work to re-locate registration services will be taking place over the coming months and is expected to be completed at all sites by the beginning of May.
Two new affordable “community wedding venues” have also been announced for the district.
These will be at The Lounge in Braintree Town Hall and the Farm House at Cressing Temple Barns in Witham Road, Braintree.
Mr Finch said: “Wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships are a special moment for couples, but that doesn’t mean that residents should have to break the bank to pay for them.
“We have entered into agreements with venue operators to ensure residents are offered the highest level of service on their special day at an affordable price.”
For more information on registrations visit s2.sishost.co.uk/OnlineBookings/Signup.aspx
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