Overview

This bill aims to improve the accuracy and completeness of electoral registers in the UK by automating the registration process. It mandates data sharing between government bodies and registration officers to identify eligible voters, and introduces penalties for non-cooperation.

Description

The bill places a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure electoral registers are at least 98% accurate. This involves directing registration officers and local authorities to take necessary actions, potentially including providing additional resources. The bill also compels data sharing between various public bodies (including HMRC, DVLA, NHS, schools, and benefits agencies) and registration officers. This shared data will include information from applications for driving licences, GP registration, school enrolment, benefits, passports, and TV licences. Registration officers will use this information to automatically register eligible individuals, contacting those with incomplete data. Individuals will be notified of their registration and have the opportunity to correct errors. Institutions like universities and hospitals will also be required to collect and report information on eligible residents. The bill also mandates the creation of a single, integrated software system for managing electoral registers and sets a £500 penalty for non-cooperation with registration officers.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending on implementing the new software system and potentially on providing additional resources to registration officers and local authorities. The exact cost is not specified in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: May experience easier and more automatic registration, but also increased data sharing with government agencies.
• Registration Officers: Will have a greater responsibility for ensuring register accuracy and will need to manage increased data and potential penalties.
• Local Authorities: May need to provide additional resources to support registration officers.
• Government Agencies (HMRC, DVLA, NHS, etc.): Will be required to share specified data with registration officers.
• Institutions (Universities, Hospitals, Schools): Will have a responsibility to collect and report information on eligible residents.
• Individuals who do not cooperate: Face potential £500 penalties for non-cooperation with registration officers.

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