TV licence lesson for electoral roll mess

A FEW months ago I moved home and, based on that experience, the TV licence inspectors are showing the way on how to sort out the electoral register mess.

I moved only 10 miles up the road, but it still involved the necessary and tedious task of getting all the addresses and contact details for bank accounts, utility bills, correspondence, etc, changed to my new address.

I also dropped into the local county council office to get my address changed on the electoral register. They said they did not have the relevant forms available at the time, but they took my details and said someone would contact me.

Three months later, still no contact had been made. Last week, I sourced the form myself and sent it to the relevant office to have my details changed on the register. This required effort and perseverance on my part. If I had not bothered, no one would have come to me.

In stark contrast the TV licence inspectors were on to me like a shot. I have never had a TV licence in my own name before, so I was not on their records. Two months after moving into my new abode, I got a letter from An Post TV Licences Services office stating that according to their “computer database” my address was not covered by a TV licence and urging me to buy one before I got the knock on the door. Having forgotten about it for a few weeks, I got a second letter prompting me to buy one.

We are told by those with responsibility for the electoral register that the mobile nature of the population makes it very difficult for it to be properly kept up to date and that it is all very complex and difficult.

However, the TV licence inspectors show that in an era of modern technology it is very possible and easy. Of course, money is at stake with the TV licence and there is a strong incentive for them to chase us.

A reliable and accurate electoral register is an essential tool for the proper functioning of our democracy and it is not good enough that those with responsibility wring their hands and allow this shambles to continue. It is essential we invest in not only having an accurate electoral register in time for the next general election, but also to ensure it is properly maintained thereafter.

This can be done by providing the human and financial resources to whomever gets the task of sorting out the current mess, and making best use of technology, as TV licence inspectors have done.

James Doorley

4 Johnswood Court

Ashbourne

Co Meath