Council chiefs have demanded an end to the practice by which direct marketing companies can purchase the names and addresses of millions of residents from local authorities.
Details of up to 28 million people appear in the open electoral register, local versions of which can be obtained legally by any individual or business – from less than 50p per individual.
At current prices set by Government, councils can sell on electoral details for £20 and £1.50 for each 1,000 entries in electronic data format and at a cost of £10 plus an additional £5 for each 1,000 entries.
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