I WRITE with regard to your article about electoral register figures (The Press, October 23) which noted that the Electoral Commission has reported that 77 per cent of York residents are registered to vote, now that the new Individual Electoral Registration scheme is in place over the Household Registration scheme that dated from 1918.

While the Household Registration scheme was not perfect, on the whole it meant that young people, including students, were registered by their parents, and guardians, before their 18th birthday, which allowed them to vote at the first opportunity after it.

The process now involves duplicate forms and proof of identify which may put off young people but those who move around for employment and education As the article notes, those less likely to be registered include private renters.

With an increase in private renting year on year, and soon to be over 20 per cent in the city, it is a worrying trend that so many will not have a say in their future.

Registration also benefits people with regard to financial services.

If you are not already registered to vote, or know someone who is not, this can be done by either contacting the council or online at gov.uk/register-to-vote

Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, Deputy Leader, City of York Council.