Every year the Council must update the Electoral (Voter) Register to make sure it is complete and accurate. This process is known as the annual canvass and takes place each year between July and November.
Previously each household was sent a Household Enquiry Form, detailing the names of those people residing there, who were registered to vote. It was a requirement for an adult at each property to respond to that form, to confirm whether the details were correct, or to amend them where necessary.
Whilst each property will still receive a letter at the start of canvass (which is the start of August 2023), the reformed canvass now incorporates a data matching step.
All Electoral Registration Officers are required to match the data they hold against National Government Data (specifically DWP data) and are further given the option to match data against other local data sources (e.g. council tax and benefits records) at the start of canvass.
The results of the data matching step determines the type of canvass letter each property receives.
Where every registered individual at a property has data matched against DWP or local records, the property will received a communications letter known as a CCA which does not require a response unless there is a change to report at the property.
However if there has be no data match or a partial match (one individuals records have matched, but another's haven't) a different communications letter known as a CCB will be sent to the property.
The CCB does require a response, and as in previous years, if no response is received to the initial letter, further attempts to obtain the details from the property will be made.
Please read your letter carefully in order to determine where there is a requirement for you to respond.
As is previous years, these letters are not registration forms, however the information provided to us in response to these letters will enable us to send a separate individual registration form to all the people in your household who are eligible and need to register.
Those who are eligible can also register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
If you receive a CCB letter, there is a legal requirement to respond and failure to do so could result in a fine. You can respond using the following methods:
- To make changes - Go online: www.householdresponse.com/rcbc ;
- To confirm your details - Freephone: 0800 197 9871 or Text: 80212
If you need any assistance or have any queries please call our helpline : 01642 774774
If you would like further information about the reformed canvass this is available on the government website www.gov.uk/ or you can call to speak to the Electoral Registration Team on 01642 774 774.
For information on how we handle your personal data, please see the document titled “Electoral Services Privacy Notice" under Related Documents.