Registered third parties
Dear Lincoln City Council,
This is a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
For the years 2016 and 2017, please provide a list of registered third parties - regulated by the Electoral Commission - that have requested electoral registers and/or electoral register updates, overseas voters lists, and/or absent voters lists.
For each registered third party, please provide details on what they requested and when they requested it. Please also indicate whether their requests were fulfilled.
I would like to receive this information in an electronic format. If you feel that a substantive response to this request is not possible within a reasonable time frame, I would be grateful if you could contact me and provide assistance as to how I can refine the request. If you need any clarification, please contact me. I look forward to receiving a response in 20 working days. Many thanks.
Yours faithfully,
Jenna Corderoy
Dear Madam
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – INFORMATION REQUEST
ELECTORAL DATA
I refer to your request for information received today and would advise you that the registration of electors is governed by the Representation of the People Act 1983 as amended. Under Section 8 of the Act, the council must appoint an officer of the council to be the registration officer for any constituency or part of a constituency coterminous with or situated in the council’s area. Angela Andrews (Chief Executive and Town Clerk) is the appointed officer for the registration area of the City of Lincoln. Her appointment as Electoral Registration Officer is separate to her appointment as Chief Executive and Town Clerk and, although appointed by the council, the Electoral Registration Officer’s responsibilities and duties are personal. An example of this is that the register of electors is deemed to be the property of the Electoral Registration Officer, not the local authority.
The Electoral Registration 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/publica...
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.
Details of persons and organisations that are entitled to receive free copies or to be sold copies of the register of electors are governed by Regulations 97 – 114 of the Representation of the People Regulations 2001, as amended.
Notwithstanding that there is no statutory obligation to provide this information, the Democratic Services Section will, however, consider your request and, if the information is readily accessible , respond as soon as resources allow.
With regards.
Karan Shearwood
Legal Officer
T 01522 873840
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