Wokingham Borough Council is reminding householders that if they have not yet returned their annual canvass form to do so soon, as the last chance to respond is Monday August 27. 

Alison Wood, electoral services manager, said: "We are required by law to send a personal canvasser to visit each property that has not returned the annual canvass form. We know that some people may not have returned their forms because of holidays, but we urge those people to do so as quickly as possible. Each personal visit obviously costs the council, and therefore the council tax payer.

"Many residents are not aware that as well as not being able to vote in forthcoming elections, not being on the Register of Electors, or being incorrectly registered, can affect their credit rating too. We quite often get visits or phone calls from people who are trying to get a mortgage, open a bank account or buy a mobile phone and they are not able to do so. By that time it can be too late." 

Anyone who has trouble completing the form, or is not sure about their personal situation, can either visit electoral services at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham or call our helpline on (0118) 974 6522 / 6523.