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 proposes penalties for non-cooperation.

Description

The Automatic Electoral Registration Bill introduces several key measures:

• Duty to Ensure Accurate Registers: The Secretary of State must ensure electoral registers are at least 98% accurate. Directions can be given to registration officers and local authorities to achieve this, potentially including resource allocation.
• Data Matching and Sharing: Public bodies (including HMRC, DVLA, NHS, schools, and benefits agencies) must share specified data (names, addresses, age/date of birth, nationality) with registration officers for registration purposes. This data will be used to automatically register eligible individuals.
• Delegation of Registration Functions: Institutions like universities, hospitals, and schools will be responsible for collecting and submitting information on eligible individuals residing in their premises.
• Notification and Emendation: Registered individuals will be notified, allowing correction of any errors. Those wrongly registered can have their details removed.
• Civil Penalties: A £500 penalty will be imposed on individuals who fail to cooperate with registration officers, unless a reasonable excuse exists.
• Unregistered Dwellings: Canvassing of unregistered dwellings is required by registration officers.
• Digital Software System: A single, integrated software system will be implemented for managing electoral registers across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending due to the implementation of a new, integrated software system and the potential need to provide additional resources to registration officers and local authorities to meet the accuracy targets. However, no specific figures are available within the provided bill text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: Could experience more efficient and automated registration, with potential for increased participation. May face penalties for non-cooperation.
• Registration Officers: Will have increased responsibilities in data management and enforcement of penalties.
• Local Authorities: May need to allocate additional resources to support registration officers.
• Government Departments and Public Bodies: Will be required to share data with registration officers, potentially requiring system adjustments and resource allocation.
• Institutions (Universities, Hospitals, Schools): Will have a new responsibility to collect and submit registration information on eligible individuals within their premises.

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