Tens of thousands of households have returned their voter registration packs to Bath & North East Somerset Council – and broken two records at this stage of the registration process.
The Council encouraged people to respond promptly and, where they could, do so via Internet, Text SMS, or telephone to help save the local taxpayers purse thousands of pounds. The response has been excellent.
26,024 households responded via electronic methods. This is an all-time record high. In 2011/12 the total number was 19,191.
1,123 more households have returned their details compared to this stage last year.
Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Council, said, “The number of electronic returns to Bath & North East Somerset Council has been phenomenal. A 37% increase in this figure compared to last year is extremely high. The fact that more people have returned their information compared to last year is also very positive.
“The message is getting through that people can play their part in reducing costs to the local taxpayer by responding promptly and via an electronic method if they can. Our next target is to get as many people as possible who have not yet responded to do so by 30th August.”
The Council is still awaiting a response from 28,509 households. As required by law, all have been sent a first reminder. Last year, 16,265 households were visited by an electoral registration canvasser as they had failed to return the reminder – this is a very costly process. The Council wants to beat this figure this year.
People must update the annual registration form with the details of everyone in the household who is eligible to vote and return it to the Electoral Registration Office by Thursday 30th August 2012.
- If details of the household haven’t changed, people can renew their registration electronically using the Internet, Freephone, or Text SMS. Forms can also be returned via post.
- If the details of the household have changed, for example someone has moved in or out, these can only be updated by filling in a form and sending in via post.
If a household hasn’t received their form they should contact the Council via email or phone.
Further details are online www.bathnes.gov.uk/registertovote or from [email protected] or by phone 01225 477333.
