Durham County Council is consulting on the future delivery of Registration Services at The Story.
Visit the Lets Talk County Durham page for more information and to have your say on this public consultation.
Lets Talk County Durham Link: www.letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB
20/02/2026 – Bishop Auckland Town Council made the following comments:
Bishop Auckland Town Council welcomes the opportunity to comment on Durham County Council’s consultation on the future delivery of Registration Services at The Story.
- Accessibility & Travel Considerations
As one of the larger towns in the county, Bishop Auckland has a significant population who require access to registration services for births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships, and certificates. Many residents particularly older people, those on low incomes, and those without private transport face challenges travelling to Durham City.
The Council therefore emphasises the importance of:
- Maintaining local appointment options in towns like Bishop Auckland
- Ensuring accessible transport routes and clear information for travelling to The Story
- Considering satellite or outreach provision for vulnerable residents
- Digital Access – Useful but Not a Substitute
We recognise and support the development of improved online and digital access options, in line with the consultation’s aims.
However, digital access must supplement rather than replace in‑person provision. Many residents in Bishop Auckland still face:
- Digital exclusion
- Poor broadband access
- Lack of confidence using online forms
- Poverty‑linked technology barriers
Therefore, digital tools should be:
- Simple
- Mobile‑friendly
- Optional
- Backed by telephone and face‑to‑face alternatives
- Service Experience at The Story
The Story is an important cultural venue for County Durham, and we acknowledge the rationale for collocating Registration Services within the building. However, it is essential that:
- Appointment times and waiting areas remain sensitive to the nature of registration services (particularly bereavement registrations)
- Privacy and dignity are preserved
- The environment remains accessible to all residents
- Local Presence Still Matters
Bishop Auckland residents continue to value local points of service delivery. We encourage Durham County Council to:
- Retain some local registration touchpoints
- Explore shared or pop‑up provision in community buildings
- Work with Town and Parish Councils on extending local accessibility
Bishop Auckland Town Council supports the review and modernisation of the Registration Service and appreciates the opportunity to contribute. We stress the importance of balancing digital innovation with local accessibility, ensuring that no resident is disadvantaged by changes in location, booking systems, or service format.
We look forward to continued engagement as the new model for Registration Services is developed.