Have you had a baby in 2020? Make sure you register them

All birth registrations were stopped by the government on March 24 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 850 babies were born in Brighton & Hove during lockdown but register offices were only allowed to start registering births again in mid-June.

Now, two months after birth registrations began again, there are still more than 150 lockdown babies who have not been registered locally, which means they don't have a birth certificate.

It is a legal requirement to register a birth and many parents treasure their official birth certificate issued by the registrar team. Birth certificates are used throughout life and are often needed for identity, education and travel.

Cllr David Gibson, lead councillor for Life Events, said: “Congratulations to all new families in the city. The government restrictions prevented so many of the celebrations we usually enjoy when a baby is born and the pressure on new parents to manage alone during the lockdown was huge. We totally understand how birth registration has been overlooked at this time. We welcome you now to get in touch with our registration team and register your baby as soon as possible.”

Babies must be taken to the register office local to where they were born, to register your baby is a quick process the parents just need to provide their details and the baby's information and both parents need to bring ID.

There is no charge for the appointment of the official a registration. There is a charge of £11 per birth certificate (this is a statutory charge and the fee is set by the General Register Office).

The register office has measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and staff can talk with you in advance about any concerns you may have around visiting Brighton Town Hall

To limit the number of people coming into offices: Only one parent should attend the appointment for married and civil partner couples. For parents who are not married or in a civil partnership with the baby’s father or second parent, you must both attend together for all parents’ details be included on the registration and the baby and any other siblings do not need to be present.

To register your baby you can make an appointment with the register office online or by phone on 01273 292016.

East Sussex

• Talk is increasing of further lockdowns in the UK. What do you think of the situation? Join the Big Conversation and have your say on everything from healthcare to how the pandemic has affected you personally and how we make our communities stronger: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bc-eastbourne