MORE than 27,000 households in the Wyre Forest district have not yet registered anyone to vote as part of this year’s canvass.

At the start of August, Wyre Forest District Council sent letters to all households in the area, asking residents to check and confirm the details that appear on the electoral register. So far 18,808, just 40.9 per cent, of the 46,037 households have replied. That means 59.1 per cent have not responded.

Now the council is sending out reminder letters from Monday, August 24.

Residents are required by law to respond and register every year. Anyone who does not respond can face the risk of being fined up to £1,000.

Credit Reference Agencies also use information from the register of electors to update their records. This means it can be much harder to obtain credit if you are not on the electoral register.

If people do not respond, the council has to arrange for visits to homes to collect the household enquiry forms. This adds to the cost of preparing the register of electors.

Ian Miller, electoral registration officer, said: “Please help us by responding as soon as possible to the letter. We know it’s one of those things that people put to one side and think they will do it when they have a moment and it can so easily get forgotten. It is really quick and easy to reply. If you do not need to make any changes to your form, please let us know by internet, freephone or text, as this saves the council money.”

There will be a by-election in Habberley and Blakebrook South ward of Kidderminster on Thursday, September 24, following the resignation of Councillor Ruth Gregory. Anyone living in the Habberley and Blakebrook South ward wishing to vote in this election must be registered to do so by Tuesday, September 8.

Local District and Parish Council elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections are taking place in May 2016. This will also include elections for Kidderminster Town Council, which is currently being created.

Anyone who needs help to complete the form should contact 01562 732928 or email electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Additional information is available on wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections.