MR Whittle says he is a data protection officer, and yet he seems not to have read the letter from Bolton Council.

The part about the open register states quite clearly: “The open register is an extract of the electoral register but is not used for elections.”

It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. It is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.

Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for it to be removed. Using the “silence” is a confirmation ruling used by a lot of businesses.

This does mean that everyone on the voting register must notify that they want their details removed. If not, you have the right to demand the names of all persons and businesses your details have been sold for and the amount of money that has changed hands.

Marie Perrigo Bolton