Government has today announced it will start a public consultation on the Information Commissioner's recommendation to scrap the Edited Electoral Register.

The economic downturn, cheaper ways of sending junk mail and increasing concern about waste caused by junk mail has led to a 6.2% drop in direct mail spend. Last year, expenditure on addressed advertising mail fell by 10%.

The Information Commissioner's Office has taken enforcement action against the Liberal Democrats after the party made 250,000 automated phone calls.

A survey by the Local Government Association shows that an overwhelming majority of elections officers support a ban on the sale of the Edited Electoral Register.

Falkirk Council has warned residents to be aware the area has become a focus for fraudsters in recent weeks. Both householders and businesses are being targeted.

Marketeers have reacted with anger at the possibility of a new environmental standard for direct mail. The Direct Marketing Association has reiterated its support for PAS 2020.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas has recommended abolishing the Edited Electoral Register. If accepted, local councils will no longer be legally obliged to sell voters' name and address to junk mailers.

Government today responded to Stop Junk Mail's petition for an easier and more effective system for opting out of junk mail, stating it currently has "no plans to take measures to restrict" junk mail.

The Direct Marketing Association has endorsed proposals for stricter standards for direct mail. 'PAS 2020' will be a voluntary industry code, but the lobby group anticipates a high take up.

A 'UK Junk Mail Award' has been launched in a bid to 'name and shame' businesses that excessively use junk mail as a form of marketing. People are invited to nominate "annoying, irresponsible and environmentally unfriendly" junk mailers.