Witney News - Prompt action will help keep electoral registration costs down

Prompt action will help keep electoral registration costs down

Each year every household in the UK is sent a Household Enquiry Form to check the right people are registered to vote.

West Oxfordshire residents are being urged to help keep public sector costs down by responding promptly, and if possible electronically, when they receive theirs.

The Council is writing to over 47,000 households in the District asking them to take action by confirming their registration details either by text, Freephone, online or post.

If changes need to be made to the details sent, then the household is asked to notify the Council either online or by returning the form provided.

Electoral registration is a legal requirement that has to be to done each year and residents must be on the Electoral Register to be eligible to vote.

“It’s very quick and easy to reply and early response will reduce the need to send out costly reminders which could amount to as much as £50,000. Responding digitally rather than by post is the most cost effective way to respond.” says Keith Butler, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Electoral Registration Officer.

Anyone who has not received an electoral registration form by 8 September should contact the Council on 01993 861410 or email [email protected]

The Register is also often used by credit checking agencies and can be used for things such as getting a loan, mortgage or mobile phone contract. Other pitfalls of not being on the Register include not being eligible to apply for certain jobs which require security checks and not being able to open a bank account.

For more information see: www.westoxon.gov.uk/register