THE annual canvass is under way with household registration letters going to more than 140,000 homes in the borough.

Residents are being reminded to respond or complete the forms as early as possible to ensure that the electoral register is updated.

Phone or online responses need to be completed by September 11. This is the quickest way to respond, taking just a couple of minutes to complete.

The deadline for postal registrations is September 4.

By law every household must respond. If responses haven not been received by September 11 Wigan Council officers will visit those properties.

Those who fail to respond could receive a fine of up to £1,000.

Donna Hall, chief executive and returning officer at the council, said: “It is so important that everyone who is eligible to vote makes sure they are on the electoral register.

"Last year we had the highest return rate of 89 per cent compared to the rest of Greater Manchester, which is fantastic.

"We would like to do even better this year.

“The electoral register is used for credit checks, so residents who are not registered may find it harder to get a loan, mortgage, finance agreement or even a mobile phone contract.

“As part of The Deal we want to encourage as many people as possible to have their say and have their voice heard at the ballot box.”

To register by phone call 0800 197 9871. To do so online visit householdresponse.com/wigancouncil quoting the security codes that are shown on the household enquiry form.