Electoral roll - Improvement on credit score?

Misseh

Hi All,
As some may be aware, I'm currently under a DRO and looking to repair/improve as much of my credit report/score as possible.
I've looked at experian and equifax, I'm happy that my credit score has managed to be improved further Experian up by 100+ points and Equifax by 36 points. Although small improvements much like baby steps, I wish to improve further.
So far I have small credit amounts - Phone contract, car insurance, store card, current account and Cashplus pre-paid credit card (all credit well under the £500 threshold) all of which I've kept in the positive, paid in full and as soon as my statement is available, it's paid.
For the last several years, I haven't been on the electoral roll - I don't vote, as I don't keep up with politics and I'd be a useless vote! I don't feel educated enough to be involved. Secondly I do not like the fact businesses like 192.com are able to get hold of your personal information and make it public and able to make money from it.
I'm now at the point where my credit report is screaming at me to sign up for the electoral roll, so I was wondering if anyone is able to give some figures as to how their credit score improved, either after signing up? OR if you moved and didn't register, how much did your score drop? If at all?
I'm trying to weigh up the pro's and con's in my mind to make a decision. Are there any further benefits to being on the electoral role I'm not aware of?
P.s. I know not voting is ignorant, but it's a choice I've made and do not wish to be patronised for making this decision, everyone has the option TO vote and NOT to vote
Any help would be very much appreciated, M

Thrugelmir

No electoral roll history, no mortgage.

Whether you vote or not is of no relevance.

Mulder00

Just sign up and select the option for them not selling your details. Having a history on the electoral register is always a good thing.

Pixie5740

Credit scores made up by Equifax and Experian are meaningless and not used by lenders so I wouldn't put too much stock in them.

When you sign up to the electoral roll there is the option not to join the edited register which is the one available for companies, such as in-direct marketing companies, to buy.

wiseshark

Don't worry about not voting or who to vote for. Truth is, come the election, there can often be a low turnout of about 50-60% of voters and of them, at least half haven't a clue who they are voting for.

It is so important that you are on the electoral role as it would make it highly unlikely you would be granted credit.

Lady_K

I have recently ticked the opt out section of the electoral form and also asked to be permanently opted out of this instead of having to remember to tick it each year. I thought it would prevent unwanted sales calls and junk mail plus protect my privacy

Is this a good or bad thing?

I'm wondering if this has caused a problem I have just encountered trying to open a credit account with isme.com, they couldn't find my address and suggested I contact Equifax but said I could have the goods if I paid in full.

I am just concerned it will damage my credit rating because this happened?

Misseh

Thanks to each and everyone of you for replying to my post!
I've printed out the forms, ticked the box to opt-out and signed on the dotted line. The mere mention of no mortgage was enough to twist my arm, this is my goal, I'm aiming to achieve!!

Thank you once again for your advice/opinions M

Experian_company_representative

Credit reference agencies like Experian are allowed to access and use the FULL electoral roll to help lenders check your name and address, and this can help your credit rating, depending on who's calculating it. Opting out of the EDITED register does not impact this, but it does prevent more general commercial use of the information. Legally speaking you are supposed to register to vote if you are eligible.

James

Misseh

Never knew it was a legal requirement. I do now! Thank you James

"If you receive a request for your registration information from your local electoral registration office then you are legally obliged to respond. If you do not respond, or if you provide false information, then you could receive a £1,000 fine"

Anyway, I believe they're bringing out new legislation shortly - or so I read.

Ah well, I've come out of hiding now, all is well! Thanks James for the info! M