(This note is not part of the Order)
Following the introduction of individual electoral registration under changes made by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), this Order establishes a pilot scheme giving electoral registration officers in specified areas of England wider discretion over the manner in which they conduct the annual canvass under section 9D of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2). Article 4 modifies the existing requirements in relation to the canvass in the specified areas. Article 5 requires electoral registration officers in the specified areas to canvass each residential address in the area for which they act at least once but the manner in which they do so and whether they take further steps where no information is received in respect of a particular address will be at the electoral registration officer’s discretion. Article 6 specifies the date by which the Electoral Commission is required to give a copy of their report on the pilot scheme under section 9(7)(b) of the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the electoral registration officers. The Order ceases to have effect on 7th July 2017.
An impact assessment has been prepared and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the Order on legislation.gov.uk.