Getting ready for the general election
17th March 2010
In preparation for the forthcoming General Election, we will be talking to lone parents to see whether they are registered to vote and also to discuss the implications of the election for parents. Parents who are not registered to vote will need to do so by 20th April if they want to vote in this election (assuming it happens on May 6th as expected). We tell you about the implications of registering and why this election could be important for you.
Registering to vote
How to do it: You can register on-line (Search "registering to vote UK") or you can contact your local Electoral Registration office and they will send out forms.
Registering anonymously: It may be possible to do this, for example if you have fled from an abusive partner, but you will need to provide some evidence of why you need to do that.
Implications of registering to vote: Being registered means that you can be traced, for example by credit or debt agencies. If you are seeking credit, you will have a better credit rating from being on the electoral register, but if you are in debt you can be traced by debt collection agencies.
What the election will affect
The UK Government controls the following areas of policy which will directly affect lone parents in Scotland:
- The Scottish Government budget: The amount of money available for spending by the Scottish Government and local authorities.
- Welfare benefits and tax credits: Conditions for getting benefits and tax credits and the amounts of these.
- Employment rights: Your rights at work, including rights to family friendly employment.
- Taxation levels
You may think that it makes no difference which political party is in power in the UK, but it will!
Think about what is most important to your family and see what each Party is saying about that. Once the election is confirmed, we will ask politicians for links to relevant information for our web site. You can also contact your local candidates to get their views on issues important to you.
