Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Policy and Resources Item 9

8 April 2004

Citizenship Ceremonies

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

That approval be given to:

1. The proposed arrangements to implement the new local authority statutory function to provide Citizenship Ceremonies.

2 Local members and the Lord Lieutenant's office being informed of ceremonies taking place in their district and invited to act as a local dignitary(ies).

2

Reason(s)

2.1

To comply with the Immigration and Asylum Act regulations 5 January 2004 - Citizenship.

2.2

This decision supports Aims 1,3,4,5 and 6 of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1- Maximising life opportunities - by supporting vulnerable groups as part of the Supporting People initiative.

Aim 3 - Achieving economic prosperity - by supporting clients and premises wishing to promote individual ceremonies with associated income and employment generation.

Aim 4 - Building strong and safe communities - by welcoming new citizens into their local area and informing and advising as appropriate.

Aim 5 - Improving services - by consulting with public and stakeholders and a commitment to quality, excellence and continuous improvement.

Aim 6 - Developing councillors and staff - through a commitment to training, development and communication.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member or officer consulted

4.1

Not applicable

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Policy and Resources Item

8 April 2004

Citizenship Ceremonies

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

How the conclusion in this report fits with the Corporate Strategy

This scheme will impact on the delivery of the following Corporate Aims

Aim 1 - maximising life opportunities

Aim 3 - achieving economic prosperity

Aim 4 - building strong and safe communities

Aim 5 - improving services

Aim 6 - developing councillors and staff

1

Summary

1.1

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act requires applicants for British citizenship to take part in a Citizenship Ceremony as the final requirement to attaining British Citizenship.

1.2

The local authority is required to provide ceremonies through the registration service and this report seeks approval to the arrangements and implementation to allow Citizenship Ceremonies to be provided from April 2004.

2

Citizenship Ceremonies

2.1

Citizenship Ceremonies have been introduced in order to

· Improve social cohesion and encourage a greater sense of belonging and shared values.

· Make more of becoming a British citizen by promoting active citizenship.

· Improve understanding of rights/obligations and involvement in the democratic process.

· Build on the experience in other countries - citizenship ceremonies are well established in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. They are generally welcomed and a number of European countries are taking a similar route.

2.2

The benefits of citizenship include :

· `right of abode' and entitlement to UK passport

· full electoral rights (for those who are not already Commonwealth citizens)

2.3

In order to become a British Citizen the following criteria for citizenship is required:

· Residential (spouses of British citizens : 3 years; others : 5 years)

· Good character

· Participate in a citizenship ceremony

It is possible that at some future date the following may become additional requirements:

· Proficient in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic ( to reinforce language requirement)

· Knowledge of life in the UK

2.4

Applicants for citizenship are likely to come from a varied group of people from different backgrounds including:

· Refugees, spouses, workers who have settled in UK.

· All ages and nationalities (adults) are able to apply

3.

Arrangements for Citizenship Ceremonies

3.1

Local authorities will be advised by the Home Office of applicants in its area. There were 1,000 applications for citizenship granted to residents in Hampshire during 2002. There is no information available to break this statistic down into districts.

3.2

Ceremonies may be multiple or single and can be held in the local register office or another location.

3.3

A fee of £68 per applicant will be paid to the local authority by the Home Office. This is for the provision of ceremonies taking place in the local register office or other designated local authority premises. A charge to recover additional costs may be made for ceremonies held elsewhere. Further details on income and costs are shown in Appendix 1.

3.4

Applications granted are only valid for 3 months and local authorities must hold ceremonies regularly to comply with this restriction.

3.5

It is suggested that one or more local dignitaries are present to welcome the new citizen into the local community and to this end it is proposed to advise the Lord Lieutenant's office, and local members prior to each Ceremony. Alternatively, the Superintendent registrar, who is required to conduct the ceremony, may fulfil the role of the local dignitary.

3.6

A detailed breakdown of the form of ceremony is attached at appendix 2.

3.7

It is intended to hold the first Citizenship Ceremony at Winchester Registry Office during April.

4.

Consultation

4.1

It is intended to provide a full briefing of arrangements for Citizenship Ceremonies to approved premises responsible persons, photographers, funeral directors, local authority staff and other stakeholders in early April.

Recommendation(s)

That:

approval be given to:

1

The provision of Citizenship Ceremonies from April 2004

2

Local members and the Lord Lieutenant's office being informed of ceremonies taking place in their district and invited to act as a local dignitary(ies).