VOTERS in west Oxfordshire are being urged to return their election registration forms.

Forms were sent to more than 45,000 properties in the district last month, but 17,500 households – nearly 40 per cent – have still not responded.

The council said it was required by law to send out reminders to residents who had not yet returned the forms and that this could end up costing taxpayers £6,000.

Keith Butler, head of electoral services, said: “Many people do not realise the form must be completed each year and so do not respond until we issue reminders or carry out door-to-door visits.”

He said registration was easy, with householders who do not need to change any information able to send a text, call a freephone number or visit the council’s website.

If changes do need to be made, he said people can fill in the form provided and return it in the pre-paid envelope.

If residents are not on the Electoral Register they are not eligible to vote and may not be able to apply for certain jobs or bank accounts.

The register is also often used by credit checking agencies and can be required for getting a loan, a mortgage, or mobile phone contract.

Anyone who has not received an electoral registration form should contact the council on 01993 861410 or see the council's website