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 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 specified actions, potentially including providing more resources. It also requires data matching and sharing from various public bodies, including HMRC, the DVLA, NHS bodies, schools, and the Department for Work and Pensions, to automatically register eligible individuals. This data will include information like name, address, age, and nationality. Those automatically registered will be removed from the edited register unless they notify the registration officer otherwise. The bill also delegates registration functions to institutions like universities and hospitals for their residents and employees. It establishes a system for notifying registered individuals and correcting mistakes, and introduces £500 penalties for non-cooperation. Finally, it mandates a new, single integrated software system for managing electoral registers across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending due to the need for resources to implement the new software system, support registration officers and local authorities, and potentially cover the costs of data management and sharing agreements. Precise figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• The Secretary of State: Responsible for ensuring accurate registers and implementing the new software system.
• Registration Officers and Local Authorities: Responsible for maintaining accurate registers, managing data, and enforcing penalties.
• Public Bodies (HMRC, DVLA, NHS, schools, etc.): Required to share data for registration purposes.
• Citizens: Potentially affected by automatic registration, with a need to correct errors or address non-cooperation penalties.
• Universities, Hospitals, and Schools: Will have new responsibilities in collecting and reporting registration information.

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