Electoral Register is driving me mental

ozskipper

Hey, I'm hoping someone can offer some advice.

I moved into my current house around 9 months ago, but due to the annual survey, I couldn't update the electoral register immediately.

The register is out and I'm definately on it - the only problem is that none of the CRA's have me being on it on my file. When I called, they indicate that they can see I'm on the register, they just haven't updated my file yet.

I've filled out an online dispute with both of the major ones, but they just haven't gotten around to updating my file yet. Obviously, this makes applying for anything difficult if I'm not shown on the register.

Any ideas on how I can get these guys to act. I mean how long does it have to take to update my file?! Sheesh! :rolleyes:

bella123

i had the same problem,i was told by the council it takes 3 months before it gets on you credit report. :beer:

Systemaddict_2

It can take several months to update credit file. However, since you have raised a dispute with the 2 CRA's they would have to respond within 28 days and may update your file a little quicker.

ozskipper

I finally got a response back from Experian. Apparently, the Council has my address shown slightly differently than how the Royal Mail shows it. So when I search my file, it won't pick it up.

However, when a provider conducts a search they will see both addresses and as they largely match it should be ok. Weird.

Oh well, I'm moving in a few months so it won't be a problem

andykolo

When the last electoral form arrived i binned it in digust at the local political parties got a few letters back about it being compulsory to fill in. why ????

how will this affect me ??? and why do the credit agencies use it ???

Addicted2Chocolate

it is a legal requirement to fill it in and credit agencies use it to confirm youer identity and address to prevent fraud. also it confirms the how long you have been at the adress, the longer the better for credit scoring.

andykolo wrote:

When the last electoral form arrived i binned it in digust at the local political parties got a few letters back about it being compulsory to fill in. why ????

how will this affect me ??? and why do the credit agencies use it ???

Iain_M

The annual register is compiled each autumn and every household is required to complete and return the form. In addition to the credit reference firms usage explained by the post from Addicted2Chocolate, the maximum penalty for not complying with the legal requirement to reply is a £1000 fine.

The Voters Register is not linked to council tax since not everyone who pays council tax is eligible to be an elector (eg residents who are not British, Commonwealth or European Union citizens), and council tax only records the name(s) of the account holders not children eligible to vote etc. Accordingly the Voters Register must be compiled annually to gather the details as at 15 October, which is the "relevant date" stipulated in legislation.

Once the Register takes effect on 1 December, a rolling registration process comes into force.

If you have moved since 15 October or changed your details (e.g. surname after marriage) or find that you are not registered, then I recommend that you complete a registration form. Contact your local council or download a form from http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

The rolling registration process runs until 11 August, enabling any eligible elector to apply to be registered up to that date. Thereafter the annual registration canvass process takes effect.

Experian and Equifax get the December register and the monthly updates. Their contact details in the event of a query are: Experian 0800 656 9000 Equifax 0800 783 9421.

The legal timetable means that it can take up to 7 weeks to get registered under the rolling registration process.

Your Council will send you a letter upon receipt of your rolling registration form and you can show this to support any credit application in case the credit agencies have not updated their records when you apply for the credit.

Incidentally close of business today is the deadline to get registered in order to vote at any elections in May. You can submit your application to your Council by fax.

This is because the election must be conducted using the register in force at the closing date for nominations for the election, which will be noon Monday 3 April 2006, and the register for that date will be the one in force from 1 March.

There is presently a new Electoral Administration Bill going through Parliament which will change the deadline for registration to be the deadline date for candidates nomination, but that will not be enacted in time for the upcoming May Council elections.

If have an address query, then contact your Council as they will have a section responsible for Street Naming and Numbering - it is the Council which determines the address, with Royal Mail responsible for the allocation of postcodes. In the event of a discrepancy they will notify RM of the correct details - or indeed advise the other Council departments of the correct entry if any of the sections have the wrong information.

Experian_company_representative

Experian added the 1 Dec 05 electoral registers to its records by Christmas :-)