Newcastle Council blows £50,000 on faulty electoral registration letters

The Newcastle Chronicle reports:

Cash strapped Newcastle City Council has had to fork out £50,000 to put right an error in a letter sent to around 180,000 voters.

The council wrote to all electors in the city on July 18 to inform them of changes in how they register to vote.

However, it contained a blunder in the section of the letter which stated whether or not they were on the open register.

Electors who were not on it were incorrectly informed that they were, and those who were, told they were not…

Lib Dem Councillor Greg Stone said: “I was contacted by a number of concerned residents who were worried their data would be disclosed to marketers and used by cold callers.

“I contacted the council and asked for clarification and I was told it was down to incorrect wording.”

If you’re wondering what’s the point of the change to individual electoral registration – which triggered these letters – take a look at my explanation: What’s the point of switching to individual electoral registration?