I assume most councils use a standard or similar form for the ER. Well I did mine online but we still had a chap from the council knock on the door today for our details.

Now, column No.8 is headed "Edited Register" and a small note reads "If you do not want to appear on the edited register then put "x" below".

It turns out that the "Edited Register" is a list of names and details that the council sell to companies so they can send you junk mail! What a bloody nerve! Not only are the council crap but they are selling my details to anyone who wants them!

What happened to the protection of data act?!!

Make sure you put the x in the box!!

I've suffered from that in the past.
The bloke knocked at the door and knew my first name. I was less than impressed and ended up having one hell of an argument with him. Needless to say I think they ticked the x for me as no one ever showed again.
Didn't know that was how it happened though, what a load of nonsense.
I'm moving country after I'm qualified.

I understand that the Edited Register is the one freely available at all public libraries and church porches. The names which are edited out - by the elector's request - are some pop stars, M.P. s , doctor's private addresses etc and others who have good reson to wish their name not to appear. Presumably a formal request has to be made to the Electoral Roll Officer to access the deleted entry, and that he has the power to refuse the request .
Nothing is totally private. You have to take a leaf out of the illegal immigrants' book and live on your wits as you cannot claim any benefits of any sort (theoretically) without a National iInsurance number.

I had a bloke from the council call round while i was having dinner yesterday, yes Sunday and when i opened the door said "hi dean.........., well that was it, i got the right arse, not least because i have the manners when i am working for a customer to call them Mr smith or whatever their name is, after all they are paying my wages and they are not just some bloke i have met in the pub ............and breath

That was exactly why I took an instant disliking to the guy.
"Hi James" at my front door is not acceptable unless I know you. Hi Mr Smith isn't really ok either unless its someone calling round to fix the boiler or something in which case I'd expect to be called by my surname. I hate cold callers and they shouldn't have my name.
You think they'd learn.