Story tools

Print this article

Email to a friend

Your feedback

Should the Government abolish the edited version of the Electoral Register or should it be retained but with changes made to who can purchase it?

These are two of the six proposals put forward by the government today as it launches a public consultation on the future of the Edited Register.

The Edited Register is a record of the names and addresses of electors who have opted to have their details made publicly available. 'Electoral Registers - proposed changes to the Edited Register' seeks views on the recommendation in Dr Mark Walport and Richard Thomas's independent review of the use of personal information in the public and private sector that the Edited Register should be abolished.

Justice Minister, Michael Wills, said:

'There are strong opinions on the future of the Edited Register and before considering any changes we need to further understand the impact that this may have on different groups of people.

'The Government has noted Dr. Mark Walport and Richard Thomas's recommendation that the Edited Register should be abolished. But we also recognise that the edited version of the electoral register acts as a comprehensive list of names and addresses of use to businesses, organisations and individuals. This consultation will help us consider the potential impact of the changes proposed.'

The consultation seeks views on six proposed options. These are:

    * abolish the Edited Register as soon as practicable.
    * set a timescale or trigger point for abolition of the Edited Register.
    * abolish the Edited Register as soon as practicable, but consider extending access to the full electoral register.
    * retain the Edited Register, but impose restrictions in legislation on who can purchase it and for what purposes.
    * replace the current provision on the Edited Register which enables electors to 'opt out' of being on it by ticking a box with an 'opt in' option.
    * improve guidance for the public about the Edited Register.

The consultation closes on 23 February 2010.