Callcredit responds to Edited Register proposals
12/02/2010
Callcredit’s position is that the Edited Register must under no circumstances be abolished. We share our response for information. We strongly recommend that businesses with an interest should submit their views.
It is vital that the effect that abolishing the Register would have is fully understood by the Ministry of Justice. Even brief responses will help to convey the wide ranging impact that withdrawal would have.
The Ministry of Justice published its consultation paper “Electoral Registers: Proposed changes to the Edited Register” towards the end of November, prompted by a recommendation in the Report of the Data Sharing Review in 2008.
Callcredit’s response to the consultation reflects our concern that withdrawal of the Edited Register would result in serious detriment to businesses both small and large, and to the consumers to whom they provide goods and services. It would also have significant consequences for the public sector.
The paper discusses proposals to either abolish the register, or change how it is compiled or used, asking for views on a range of possible options. Callcredit supports Option 6, agreeing that guidance for the public about the Edited Register should be improved. As our response states,
“It is clear that the public understanding of what Edited Register data is used for is at best skewed by implication and at worst completely inaccurate”
A low level of knowledge amongst consumers about how Edited Register data is used makes it impossible for them to make an informed decision as to whether opting out genuinely benefits them. We fear that most consumers who currently opt out do so in the inaccurate belief they are simply opting out of “junk mail”. Not only is this unlikely to achieve any desire to reduce direct mail levels, it also risks putting people at a disadvantage in other ways:
• When they apply for insurance, employment, or to rent a property
• When they want to hire goods, or shop online or by mail order
• When they seek to access local services
• To protect them from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft
Option 3 suggests abolishing the Edited Register, but extending use of the Full Register for some purposes. Disadvantage to businesses and consumers has already been caused by the very tight restrictions imposed on use of the Full Electoral Roll, such as not being able to use it for the general prevention of fraud. Consideration should be given to extending use of the Full Register – but as well as, not instead of, retaining the Edited Register.
Callcredit’s response to the consultation can be read here. We also provided a summary when the paper was published in November, which can be read here.
We strongly recommend that businesses with an interest should submit a response. It is vital that the effect that abolishing the Register would have is fully understood by the Ministry. Even brief responses will help to convey the wide ranging impact that withdrawal would have.
The consultation paper, with details on how to respond, is available here.
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