Dear David

Freedom of Information Request - Electoral Registration

I refer to your request under the Freedom of Information Act regarding Election Notices. My appointment as Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer is separate to my appointment as Chief Executive and, although appointed by the council, the Electoral Registration Officer's responsibilities and duties are personal.

The Returning Officer does not carry out the duties on behalf of the local authority but in his own personal capacity. A list of public bodies and local authorities that are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act is available at the following website:

http://www.foi.gov.uk/yourRights/publicauthorities.htm#schedule1

As you will see, the Freedom of Information Act does not list any person appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983. It follows that the Electoral Registration Officer, Returning Officer or any other person appointed under the Act are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Notwithstanding that there is no statutory obligation to provide this information; I enclose Statement of Persons Nominated for the Parliamentary Elections held in 2005 and 2001. We do not have copies of the Statement of Persons Nominated in 1997.

Yours sincerely

John Barradell

Acting Returning Officer

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