Council letter as valid proof of address

waseem432000

I applied for voter registration as a commonwealth citizen (new to UK) and I received a letter from Sutton council that my name will be available for voting and credit checks from 1 December 2018. Can i use that letter as a proof of address to open a bank account or do I have to wait for another letter confirming my name is added in voters register which I will only receive around end of next month? Will it be considered as a valid proof of address in any bank?

soulsaver

You'll have to ask the bank - maybe different policy by different banks.

waseem432000

I am planning to visit TSB and Barclays branches tomorrow. I was told by one of my friends that bank branches in areas with substantial expat population are more open to situations like that so will try Southall branches. I just called Lloyds helpline and was infrormed that any communication/letter from government can be used as valid proof of address so planing to visit them too. Gave up on HSBC after they have kept me waiting for more than a month now.

JuicyJesus

I'd be really surprised if they accepted just a letter. There are usually defined lists of documents that they can accept; if a document isn't on them, they can't be taken.

eskbanker

The acceptable documentation lists are generally published online and certainly are for the banks mentioned:

https://www.tsb.co.uk/current-accounts/faqs/identity/
https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/what-do-i-need-to-open-a-bank-account/
https://www.lloydsbank.com/legal/proof-of-identity.asp?srnum=1

waseem432000

Well HSBC were alright with a reference letter from my employer which just had my joining, salary and address information so I am not giving up. May be someone will understand my situation and be a bit more reasonable.

radoslaff

waseem432000 wrote: »

Well HSBC were alright with a reference letter from my employer which just had my joining, salary and address information so I am not giving up. May be someone will understand my situation and be a bit more reasonable.

I wouldn't expect that. I think you won't succeed with any of the mentioned banks. A council letter won't be sufficient. They will keep asking for a utility bill or benefits. I was in a similar situation years ago and I struggled for a month and a half until I finally could give them a bill. I wish you more luck though. It'll be interesting to keep us updated.

waseem432000

Well I can vouch HSBC were happy with a reference letter from my employer which mentioned my address, salary and joining date and accepted that as a valid proof of address (They haven't opened the actual account which i mentioned in a separate post as well). The thing is that council letters are and should be more credible proof of address than a mere letter from a private employer. I also spoke with helpline and online support of Lloyds and they assured me that any government letter with your name and address can be used as proof of address so I am going to try their branch tomorrow or coming days and will update the post.

colsten

waseem432000 wrote: »

Well I can vouch HSBC were happy with a reference letter from my employer which mentioned my address, salary and joining date and accepted that as a valid proof of address (They haven't opened the actual account which i mentioned in a separate post as well).

Had it occurred to you that the hold-up is to do with the (non-)acceptance of your letter?

Your best course of action would be to present your NI confirmation letter: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/national-insurance-enquiries-for-employees-and-individuals

jonesMUFCforever

The only council letter that is normally acceptable as ID or address confirmation is the current year's council tax bill.

Flobberchops

waseem432000 wrote: »

I am planning to visit TSB and Barclays branches tomorrow.

Your letter won't be accepted in Barclays. They can accept, from memory,

• A full or provisional UK passport
• Any letter from HMRC with the exception of those provided solely to confirm National Insurance Number
• A letter from DWP confirming receipt of benefits
• A utility bill or letter
• Council tax bill
• Any bank or credit card statement, even one issued abroad, as long as it is addressed t oyour UK address
• A council rent agreement
• A letter from selected colleges and universities
• A letter from selected employers

Whichever bank you end up approaching, rather than taking a punt, follow the guidelines on their website to avoid disappointment and a wasted trip.