GRO PDF's now permanent 16/02/2019
 

From the GRO's website

GRO News

GRO has been piloting a service providing PDF copies of historical birth and death records. From the 16th February 2019 PDF’s have become a permanent service.

Applications for PDF’s cost £7, must be made online and include a GRO index reference. England and Wales records which are available to order in PDF format include:

Births: 1837–1918
Deaths: 1837–1957

I think it is a good alternative for a cheaper price although it doesn't feel quite the same as a real certificate. I wouldn't do it for my direct line but to fill in gaps or side interests I like it.

It is probably not a good thing for the ROs though.

Kit

Most of the local ROs are closed or on very limited hours now. Staff have been cut to a bare minimum and many no longer issue historical certificates. It is worth noting that in England and Wales, local register offices are funded and operated by local council budgets whereas the GRO is a central storage depository funded by national taxation.

OC

I didn't know many ROs didn't issue certificates any more. I haven't bought many certificates in the last few years but I usually try to buy through them as I thought it helped them. I know funding ad hours are limited. It's sad. I wish I lived closer and could use them.