Whats Happening with Death and Still-Birth Registrations in Northern Ireland?

The Northern Ireland Assembly is considering an extension to a key part of the Coronavirus Act 2020, ensuring that the current simplified process for registering deaths and still-births remains in place until September 2025. Here's what you need to know:

Why the Extension?

The order seeks to prolong the temporary measures originally introduced during the pandemic. These changes allow for the registration of deaths and still-births over the phone, without the need for an informant's in-person signature, and enable electronic document transfers. This system was established to ease pressures during the pandemic and has been extended several times since.

Key Details:

• Extension Date: The new expiry date is set for 24 September 2025.
• Previous Extension: The last extension was due to expire on 24 March 2025.
• Consultation and Impact: There's no legal requirement for public consultation on this order, and it's assessed to have no significant impact on businesses or equality concerns.

Financial and Legal Considerations:

The extension carries no financial implications and complies with the legal standards set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to maintain streamlined processes adopted during the pandemic, ensuring efficiency and accessibility in essential services. Keep an eye on the Northern Ireland Assembly's proceedings to see the final decision on this extension.