Registers of Births and Deaths Bill

A Bill to make provision about the keeping and maintenance of registers of births and deaths; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Andrew MitchellConservative

Parliament last updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Registers of Births and Deaths Bill would set out how the official registers for births and deaths should be kept and maintained, along with related provisions. It was introduced in the House of Commons by Sir Andrew Mitchell and is currently at the Report stage in the Commons after scrutiny in Committee. The bill relates to how vital records are managed, with a focus on records and administration in a technology policy context.

Key Points

Defines how birth and death registers should be kept and maintained, with related provisions.
Commons-originating Bill sponsored by Sir Andrew Mitchell (Conservative).
Has progressed through 1st and 2nd readings and Committee stage and is at Report stage in the Commons (as of 12 March 2021).
Associated papers for amendments and explanations exist, indicating potential changes and justifications.
If approved, the Bill would move to the Lords for consideration.

Progress

The bill is at the Report stage in the Commons. After this, subject to amendments, it would move to the Lords for scrutiny.

Who is affected?

Local authorities and registrars responsible for maintaining birth/death registersPeople and families whose births or deaths are registered (and those needing certificates)Public bodies and government departments that rely on birth/death data (e.g., NHS, statistics offices)Researchers and organisations that utilise official records (e.g., genealogists)

Generated 21 February 2026