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An appeal is being made to Merthyr Tydfil residents to help out the County Borough Council by promptly returning their annual canvass forms.

It costs the Council around £13,500 just on reminder letters asking people to respond to its annual canvass of households, which they are obliged to do by law.  This money could be used differently to support other services if people completed the form and returned it on time.

All homes in the County Borough will soon be receiving the form, which asks residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register is correct. 

The aim is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date, and to identify any residents who are missing. 

Under the Representation of the People Act 1983 - which sets out the rules of the annual canvass - the authority must write to every household, send two written reminders and knock every non-responding door in order to ensure a response. 

“We are appealing to residents to help us by returning their forms as soon as possible, thereby saving a cost which could be used differently,” said the Electoral Registration Officer at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

“The more forms we get back swiftly, the more it helps save on the cost of reprinting, posting and paying staff members to chase any non-responders. 

“Working together is especially important in these times of austerity.  Any savings on unnecessary administration work can have a positive effect on ensuring that resources are targeted toward those services that need them most.”

If you need any help completing you form, contact Democratic Services on 01685 725000 or email democratic@merthyr.gov.uk