Last updated:
30th December 2024
See answers to previous information requests
How to search
- Select a year and/or a month from the drop down list
- Type a subject into the 'Subject keyword(s):' search (Optional)
- Click 'Search' button
Alternatively click 'View' to browse through all received requests.
This search is for our information requests from September 2020 onward.
Voter Authority Certificates (VACs)
See notes
1. I am looking for information on the percentage of applications for Voter Authority Certificates (VACs) that have been accepted and rejected by the council. I understand these are made in the first instance on the gov.uk website, and then passed on to yourselves to process - and so please take ‘received’ here to mean applications which come to you to be processed. Please could you tell me:
a) The number of VAC applications received by the council
b) The number of these applications accepted/approved by the council
c) The number of these applications rejected by the council
d) Any numerical breakdown you hold on the reasons for these rejections (I understand these may include, but not be limited to: issues with the photograph, applicant not being registered to vote, National Insurance number not supplied)
Further to your recent request made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, it is considered the council does not hold the information requested.
The registration of electors and the role of the Returning Officer (RO)/Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) are governed by the Representation of the People Act 1983. The RO/ERO’s responsibility is one of a personal nature distinct from his/her duties as an employee of the council. An example of this is that the register of electors is deemed to be the property of the ERO, not the local authority.
The ERO does not carry out their duties on behalf of the local authority but in their own personal capacity. A list of public bodies and local authorities that are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act is included in Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which can be viewed here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/schedule/1
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 ERO, RO or any other person appointed under the Act, are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
