Small mistakes in how an address is recorded on official databases can have severe consequences for credit ratings, leaving people unable to secure mortgages, loans, or even insurance. The problem arises when details on the electoral roll, local authority registers, and Royal Mail's Postcode Address File (PAF) do not match, preventing lenders from accessing a full credit history.
Gary Sleet, a university researcher from Paisley, Renfrewshire, discovered his credit rating had been destroyed after his local council altered his flat number on the electoral roll. His address now appears as ½/75 instead of 75/2 as listed on the PAF, meaning credit checks fail to find him. 'When agencies and lenders try to find me, they use the postal address database,' he said. 'Renfrewshire council has negated my existence by refusing to update this record.'
UK addresses are held on three separate databases: the street naming and numbering register, the electoral roll, and the PAF. Discrepancies can arise because Royal Mail is obliged to use the format registered by local authorities, while homeowners can amend electoral roll entries for a fee. Even minor variations, such as using 'apartment' instead of 'flat', can cause problems.
The issue is particularly acute in Scotland, where older tenement buildings have complex numbering systems. When Royal Mail computerised its database, it allocated consecutive numbers, but local councils may retain the original format. Renfrewshire council denied changing Sleet's address and insisted all tenants must agree on a single format, though Sleet says two of four flats are empty.
Londoner Jon Swinden faced similar difficulties when trying to insure his flat. He discovered his address was recorded in five different formats by various organisations, and his flat number was not recognised by any insurer. 'I received a renewal notice from Halifax showing the building number but not my flat number,' he said. 'The correct entry could not be found on the database, so I was told I can no longer be offered insurance.'
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) stated it was unaware of legislation preventing the correction of inaccurate electoral roll addresses without neighbours' consent. Under Article 16 of the UK GDPR, individuals have the right to have inaccurate personal data rectified. The ICO advises affected consumers to contact their local council and Royal Mail to ensure all databases are aligned.
