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The Information Commissioner’s Office is challenging the British public to make 2011 the year they ensure that their credit reference file is accurate and up to date.

Under the Data Protection Act everyone has the right to obtain and protect the information financial institutions hold about them. If the content of an individual’s credit file is inaccurate then that individual can ask for it to be corrected – which could in turn stop lenders from turning down their requests for credit.

The ICO has a practical, easy to understand consumer guide detailing people’s rights, called ‘Credit Explained.’

Almost a third of the data protection complaints the ICO received in 2010/11 were about lenders. Of the total complaints received in the last financial year, covering all sectors, 17% were from people trying to correct inaccurate data held about them.

David Smith, Deputy Commissioner at the ICO, said:

"Your credit reference file isn’t something you should only worry about when applying for a loan or buying a house – taking this approach could mean mistakes go un-noticed for years. I want to put a challenge out to the British public to make 2011 the year they take control of the information credit agencies hold about them. It’s your information and you have a right to check it’s all in order."

"In these challenging times, millions of people will be applying for credit and the last thing they need is to be turned down because of inaccurate information on their file. If people’s complaints are not addressed by the lender or the credit reference agency then they should raise the issue with the ICO and we will take it on."  

If you need more information, please contact the ICO press office on

0303 123 9070 or visit the website at: http://www.ico.gov.uk/.

Notes to Editors

1. The ICO’s ‘Credit Explained’ leaflet is available on the ICO website here: http://www.ico.gov.uk/~/media/documents/library/data_protection/practical_application/credit_explained_leaflet_2005.ashx

2. The Information Commissioner’s Office upholds information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

3. The ICO has specific responsibilities set out in the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.

4. For more information about the Information Commissioner’s Office subscribe to our e-newsletter at http://www.ico.gov.uk/. Alternatively, you can find us on Twitter and Linkedin.

5. Anyone who processes personal information must comply with eight principles of the Data Protection Act, which make sure that personal information is:

. Fairly and lawfully processed

. Processed for limited purposes

. Adequate, relevant and not excessive

. Accurate and up to date

. Not kept for longer than is necessary

. Processed in line with your rights

. Secure

. Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection