Research published by the University of East Anglia says there is no efficient tool to know if people are missing from the electoral register. The report notes that up to eight Million people could already ‘be missing’ from the register in the UK.
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE fears thousands of pounds will be lost by Oldham Council and other public services like health, police and fire. Population and electoral register figures have a huge say on how much money public bodies can receive or access. Liberal Democrat Councillor Howard Sykes MBE wants to know how many electors the Oldham Council thinks ‘are missing’ from the electoral register in the Borough.
Councillor Sykes MBE says: “If we appear to have less population in the eyes of the Government, this will leave Oldham Borough and its citizens short changed. People will also lose out on a say in forthcoming General Election, local elections and any referendums. Councils need to be working hard at getting people registered at this important time in our history.”
Copy of letter:
Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE
Chief Executive
Oldham Council
Re: Eight million electors missing from the electoral register nationally
I want to bring to your attention research published by the University of East Anglia saying there is no efficient tool to know if people are missing from the electoral register.
The report notes that up to eight Million people could already ‘be missing’ from the register nationally.
People cannot check online to see if they are registered and I am unaware of an appropriate system for residents to submit complaints to. I fear thousands of pounds will go unclaimed by the Council as population figures from the electoral register are a key indicator for grants and revenue schemes if we appear to have less population, this will leave Oldham Borough out of pocket.
It would be useful to know how many electors the Council thinks ‘are missing’ from the electoral register in Oldham Borough.
Oldham Borough Council could be losing out on the much-needed money to do its daily work.
I am sure the Council is working hard at getting people registered at this important time in our history.
Best wishes.
Howard