In Southwark, we have no difficulty in obtaining the register. The problem
now is its use (or rather non-use). After an altercation with a customer in
one of our libraries, our electoral registration people have told us that
the law actually changed a few weeks ago, following a court case in which I
gather someone challenged the public availability of his details for credit
agencies, etc to copy.
As it has been relayed to us, public libraries can have copies of the ER but
it is to be used only by individuals to check the inclusion and accuracy of
their own details. From now on, no one is allowed to photocopy or copy in
writing any details from the ER in libraries. We have now put up notices to
this effect.
I think there are meant to be copies at the British Library which can be
copied by bona fide credit agencies, although whethere the BL will have the
latest versions from around the country is open to doubt (I am not sure
whether this applies to copies at the ER offices as well).
A second, reduced version of the ER will be produced, containing information
relating only to people who have given permission for their details to be
published. This can be bought from registration offices or copied in
libraries if they stock them.
I would not be surprised if some further interpretaion of all this will be
forthcoming. Our ER people sent me a copy of the relevant statutory
instrument and it seemed very complicated (e.g. our ER people first
interpreted the BL conditions as applying to all libraries but later changed
their minds).
Adrian Olsen
Head of Libraries and Information
Southwark Council
> ----------
> From: Katharine
> Spackman[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To: Katharine Spackman
> Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2002 5:28 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Electoral registers
>
> How many library authorities are still having difficulty in obtaining
> copies of electoral registers for library users to consult? The picture in
> Oxfordshire remains confusing with the prospect of each of the 5 District
> Councils making independent decisions. Non-availability of a public
> document to be consulted for legitimate purposes is a constant source of
> frustration to customers and staff and we continue to receive regular
> comments on the subject. It would be useful to know what is happening
> elsewhere (and could also change the list's debate!)
>
>
> Katharine Spackman
> County Reference and Information Librarian
> Oxfordshire County Council Cultural Services
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
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