The Electoral Registration Pilot Scheme (England and Wales) Order 2017

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(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 in England and Wales 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 of this Order modifies the existing requirements in relation to the canvass in the areas in the Schedule. Article 5 requires electoral registration officers in those 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 Minister and the electoral registration officers. The Order ceases to have effect on 6th July 2018.

An impact assessment has been prepared and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the Order on legislation.gov.uk or from the Modern Registration Division, Constitution Group, Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.