The Government's pledge yesterday to bring in individual voter registration has been welcomed by Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: "There is a huge possibility for abuse with household registration. I have been banging on about this for years. And in households with a very large number of adults, who exactly is the "head of household"?"

"Head of household is straight out of Upstairs Downstairs."

"The Government's move is welcome."

Note to Editors: A press statement from the Electoral Commission reads:

The Electoral Commission welcomes the Government's announcement today (2 March) that it plans to introduce individual registration in Great Britain through the Political Parties and Elections Bill.

Electoral Commission Chair Jenny Watson said "We very much welcome this decision to introduce individual registration. The right to register to vote is of fundamental importance in our democracy - so important that its something for which individuals should take personal responsibility.

"A move to individual registration will also lead to a more accurate and secure electoral register, giving us a firm platform from which we can move to adopt innovative new methods of voting in the future, should Parliament wish to do so.

"The Commission has been calling for this change to be introduced in Great Britain since 2003 and we are clear that it cannot be done overnight. For it to be implemented in a way that puts the voter first will mean making sure people are aware of the change and what it means for them. It will also require comprehensive planning and support for electoral registration officers. We welcome the governments recognition of this and we look forward to playing our part in making this change become reality."

Research carried out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) in 2008 found that nearly two thirds (63 percent) of respondents thought that the individual registration system used in Northern Ireland was preferable to the current household registration used in Great Britain.

The Electoral Commission looks forward to working with all parties to ensure individual registration is introduced in a way that puts voters first.