londuk1 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:56 pm
woabgh wrote: ↑Thu Nov 19, 2020 6:53 pm
Am I the only one who's shocked to see that some councils are trying to profit greatly from the lockdown, having suspended public ceremonies and 'offering' only Private ceremonies, or worse, Virtual ceremonies for which they charge up to £200 (!!!) while some others are doing it for free...
Home office should step in to avoid these money grubbing practices..
I agree with you. Wandsworth council charges £100 for private virtual ceremony. £100 for 10 minutes ceremony, this is ridiculous
I agree and I find it appalling.
£80 have been paid with the application fee for the group ceremony which contained a lot more than now (as not possible due to restrictions having a photographer, a mayor, speeches, singing, tea and cake).
I do understand the restrictions but instead of making things easier with a very simple max 10 minute ceremony they seem to take advantage of the situation.
We all pay council tax to our councils, we are part of this community but instead of to prevail common sense and to make it a bit easier they charging horrendous amounts for something that shouldn’t cost anything on top of that what was paid in advance.
My council charges £206 (makes it £286 in total!) for a 5 minute private ceremony with no guest.
In times of furlough most people might have less money than usually.
People booking private ceremonies as their actual ceremony might be weeks away and that people want to get it done after all that they have been through is quite understandable.
I have decided now against a private ceremony. However I have written to my MP about these costs and put in a complaint to the council in writing.
These costs and taking advantage of our wish to get that process done is absolutely unacceptable in my opinion.
