Concerns have been raised by College Members regarding the lack of anonymity for people in vulnerable positions, particularly those working in forensic psychiatry services, because of the printing of names and addresses on the electoral register. This problem has become increasingly important in the light of internet databases of personal data that often use the electoral register as the basis for their information.

The College has learnt that some local authorities run electoral registers whereby names can be included at the end of the relevant ward list but without an address. However, there is no national guidance on this and the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions are continuing ‘to review the possibility of anonymous registration, with a view to legislating in due course, if necessary’ (personal communication, 2001).

The College would like to encourage its Members to contact their local electoral registration officer and ask if it is possible for names to be included on the register without an address and also to write to their local member of Parliament asking him/her to contact Right Honourable Nick Raynsford, Minister for Local Government and the Regions, asking that the Government legislate so local authorities have to allow for anonymous registration.