Brent council is urging residents to register to vote amidst fears that new rules could leave 11,000 people in the borough without a voice.

The chief executive of Brent Council, Carolyn Downs, today expressed concerns that thousands could miss out on the chance to vote in local, regional and and general elections following the switch to individual voter registration.

The rule change means each person must apply to vote individually by providing a national insurance number and date of birth, meaning many in Brent’s fast-moving population could run out of time to register their vote.

Mrs Downs said: “The government’s new process for applying to vote is having a shocking impact on the number of people registered in Brent.

“It looks at this rate like 11,000 Brent residents could be on the verge of losing their voice in one of the biggest decisions that affect their lives and their families.

But the council boss, who is in charge of making sure as many voters as possible are registered, said: “The good news is – it’s not too late. It’s really easy to register online or by filling in a simple form.”

The council attempts to contact those who have been left off the register by post or may pay a personal visit to their home to help them fill in the form.

To register to vote log on to gov.uk/registertovote or pop down to the Brent Civic Centre in Engineers Way to pick up a paper form.

To request an application form by post call 0208 9371 372.