I've applied for a loan, but the credit company says I'm not on the register

Most High Street banks and finance companies get their electoral information through a small number of credit reference agencies. The check on the register of electors is probably one of a number which they undertake when assessing credit ratings.

These credit reference agencies receive the annual register form most councils in the country, if not all. They also receive the monthly updates to the register, so in theory their information is always up to date. It does sometime happen that these changes do not always find their way down to the particular branch or finance company making the enquiry, and we often have cases of people being told they are not on the register, when in fact they are. Sometimes it could just be a matter of being unable to find the correct address.

If you are told you are not on the register, then contact the Elections Helpdesk (01249 706596) or e-mail elections@northwilts.gov.uk to check first. If you are not on, then the monthly claim procedure can probably get you on the register fairly quickly. Please note, the register only lists UK citizens, European nationals and UK dependant citizens.