Credit cards and the electoral roll?

finance-boy

Hi everybody! I moved into a flat a couple of years ago but all my credit cards, bank accounts, provisional driving license, etc, are still registered at my mum's address. I have trouble receiving post at my address and I don't plan on living here for long (moving out after summer), and so whenever I apply for anything, I always give my mum's address as my own.

It's not really a problem. I go down there pretty regularly so I just pick up my letters when I'm there.

But obviously, for utilities and housing benefit I have to give my actual address, not my mum's, so these letters get sent to my address (even though I'm lucky if they actually turn up, because of the postal problems)

Recently a voting slip got sent to my house, probably because I gave the council my real address, but now I'm wondering, is it okay for me to carry-on using my mum's address when I apply for things? Or will they think I'm trying to commit fraud?

Also, would I be okay to vote tonight?

I was just on my way to the polling station when I realised there might be repercussions... If I don't vote from this address am I still okay to use my mum's address to apply for things? Or is it too late? Do they already know that I don't live there any more?

cos_2

Hurry and vote!

cos_2

As for the rest, I would imagine that those companies that use the electoral register as the prime means of establishing your address (some don't as they recognise a large minority either won't or can't register) will either reject you, or ask for further address evidence in the future.

I don't think they'll immediately suspect fraud.

finance-boy

Aaaah, it's too late now. It wouldn't have made a difference anyway... hopefully

Thanks for replying though

I'm still a bit concerned about this electoral roll business. Would a potential creditor already know my actual address from me just being on the electoral roll? Or would I need to vote for them to know that?

Do Experian, etc, check the electoral roll? Would it show up as a red flag on their system?

cos_2

Never mind, there's always next time

A potential creditor will look at the information you provide and then may check it against the electoral roll to see if it matches. However, since many people don't register on the roll, and there's no legal requirement to do so, most potential creditors will look to see if you can prove your address in another way.

Voting does not confirm to anyone at all where you stay. It simply confirms that you've cast your vote.

Experian, and other Credit Reference Agencies, may/will check the electoral role if you've asked them to provide information about you. They don't do this as a matter of course. Again, they understand that many people aren't registered there, so if you're not there, that's fine.

Don't get too bogged down by the electoral register. Many people in the UK have excellent credit access here, but are barred from registration by law.