NEWS...
Edited Voters Roll Update
It might just be one small step for the government, but it is a giant leap for the CSA.
The lobbying efforts of the CSA are paying dividends once again, with positive movements with regard to the edited voters roll.
The CSA met with David Drew MP, Secretary of the All Party Debt and Personal Finance Group, and discussed their concerns relating to the proposed licensing regime for private investigators, the implementation of the CCA2006, with particular regard to the issuing of notices to 'last known addresses'. However, Mr Drew was particularly interested in the issue of the abolition of the edited version of the voters roll.
When advised of the estimated trace statistics and the difficulties tracers have in attempting to locate absconded debtors, Mr Drew was astonished to learn such a vital tool as the edited roll could be removed – and was shocked at the devastating impact this could have on the British economy.
Indeed, Mr Drew felt so strongly he raised a parliamentary question to the House of Commons asking then Minister of State Gareth Thomas "if he will commission research into the impact on the credit services and debt collection industry of the combined effect of the proposed abolition of the edited electoral roll and the implementation of the CCA2006."
Mr Thomas responded: "In line with the commitments made during the passage of the CCA2006, the Government will review the Act after it has been in force for three years.
"The Government is committed to holding a public consultation to establish how removing the provisions that govern the edited register would impact jot just on individuals but the economy as a whole. This will enable the Government to build a firmer evidence base about the advantages and disadvantages of the edited register and consider the way forward on the basis of the responses to the consultation. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the edited register and their Ministers will make a decision in due course on when the public consultation should take place."
An official consultation document is due to be issued in the coming months.
In the meantime, the CSA is continuing to lobby Government in this area, making contact with the Ministry of Justice in order to keep a fluent dialogue. It is hoped this will help ensure the CSA remains a key player in the process.
If you would like further information on hoe to lobby your local MP, or if you have any queries regarding the suggested abolition of the edited voters roll, simply contact Claire Aynsley at the CSA on 0191 271 8043 or Claire@csa-uk.com.
Original article courtesy of CSA. For further information visit www.csa-uk.com.
