Refusals and revocations register
National Fraud Initiative - national register (NR3)
We are required by law to protect the public funds we administer, to do this we may use the information you have provided on application forms, council tax and the electoral roll data for the prevention and detection of fraud.
We do this by data matching. Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it indicates that there is an inconsistency that requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
We may also need to share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for this purpose.
How will the register work – what information will be recorded?
When a council revokes a licence, or refuses an application for one, it will record this information on the National register (NR3). The information recorded will be limited to:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address and contact details
- National insurance number
- Driving licence number
- Decision taken
- Date of decision
- Date decision effective
Licensing authorities (local councils) will then search the register when they are processing new applications or renewals. Where they find a match for their applicant on NR3, they will contact the licensing authority that recorded the entry to get more information, which, if shared, will then be used to help reach a decision on the application.
Will I automatically be refused a licence if I am on the register?
Licensing authorities are legally required to consider each licence application on its own merits and cannot refuse an application simply because an applicant may be recorded on NR3. The purpose of NR3 is to ensure that licensing authorities have the full information necessary to help them reach a decision on whether an individual is fit and proper. If circumstances have materially changed since the decision that has been recorded on NR3, it may be appropriate for another licensing authority to award a licence.
What if my licence is suspended?
Suspensions of licences will not be recorded on NR3. This is because suspension should be used as either a short-term punishment or to overcome a short-term situation (such as driving or medical issues). Where a driver is no longer considered to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence, the licence should be revoked.
Can I find out if my details are on the NR3?
Individuals whose details are added to NR3 will be notified of this when they are advised of the decision to refuse or revoke a licence.
Outside of these times, an individual can make a subject access request (SAR) for any of their personal data held on NR3. The ‘data controller’ in respect of this data is North Warwickshire Borough Council as the licensing authority, to whom a SAR should be submitted in the first instance. The National Anti-Fraud Network as the data processor (the organisation storing the data), will fulfil this request.
More information on data protection
How long will details be held on NR3 for?
Data will be retained on the register for 25 years.
Code of Data Matching Practice for National Fraud Initiative - links to GOV.UK