The report, published today, gives analysis of responses to questions on proposals whereby data will be disclosed to stop fraudsters using the identities of the deceased.

Disclosure of death registration information will assist the police, other law enforcement bodies, and public and private sector organisations in handling identity fraud, particularly Impersonation of the Deceased (IOD) fraud which costs the UK economy in excess of £1bn a year.  Sharing this death information will significantly reduce the opportunity for fraud. Additionally, it will reduce the impact upon relatives who have to deal with the consequences of the identity theft of their loved ones.

Out of a total of 72 responses to the consultation exercise, the majority approved of the Registrars General proposals for the data release scheme.  The feedback that has been received will help shape the next stages of the work leading to implementation later this year.

The Registrars General are responsible for the system under which births, deaths, adoptions, marriages and civil partnerships are registered.