WEST Somerset Council is facing demands to recall thousands of electoral registration forms after a printing error resulted in the publication of incorrect information relating to a data register that can be sold on to companies or organisations for marketing.

In line with local authorities across the country, the council has been checking people’s eligibility to vote in elections and ensuring they are registered by confirming a series of basic details on individual householders, from where they live to their nationality.

But using information previously provided by householders, the form also states whether their details are included on the open register.

Although everyone’s name has to appear on the electoral register, people have had the right to opt out of the open register since 2002.

But an unknown number of forms sent out to West Somerset householders say they have agreed to be included on the open register when in fact they have not.

Williton resident Sue Debens told the Free Press she was horrified to discover she was a victim of what a council employee told her was a printing mistake.

“Under the section which stated whether my details were included on the open register, there was a ‘yes’, when I have always put no,” she said.

Mrs Debens said that when she visited the council’s headquarters in Williton to point out the error, she was told that the authority’s records showed she had opted out of the open register.

“I was told the error was only on the form and the council’s records showed the correct information.

“But that’s not very reassuring and I don’t see how they can know if that applies to everyone who receives a form with the wrong information without checking.

“I really think all the forms should be recalled and new ones sent out.

“My concern is that if I hadn’t noticed and changed it on the form, I may have found my details appearing on the open register.

“The form states quite clearly that the open register can be bought by any person, company or organisation so it’s a real worry.

“There are a lot of elderly people in West Somerset who may not notice this mistake on their forms – at the very least the council should have been making people aware of this problem.

“This is being paid for by taxpayers and the information should be correct.”

A council spokesman confirmed that there had been an error on the forms but that it was being rectified.

“West Somerset Council would like to offer its apologies to anyone affected,” she said.

“The error relates solely to the printed form. Those who choose not to be included on the open register can be assured that they are not included.”

The spokesman said anyone concerned could contact the council’s electoral team on 01984 635288 or 01984 635272 or email elections@ westsomerset.gov.uk.

However, Cllr Hugh Davies, who represents Williton on the district authority, reiterated Mrs Debens’ call for the forms to be recalled.

“Those people who have returned their forms online have at least had the option to say yes or no on the issue of inclusion on the open register,” he said.

“But if it says yes on the form when you have said no, you have to actually cross it out and change it – and many people probably won’t notice if the information is incorrect.

“This is a legal document which warns people that they could be fined £1,000 if they don’t provide the information requested.

“It’s not good enough for the council to say its records show the correct information – they need to prove it.

“I have spoken to a lot of people locally and none of them have realised that the form they have received could contain wrong information.

“The job has to be done properly and these forms should be sent out again, even if it costs the council more money.”