THE controversial Voter ID pilot scheme carried out in Swindon earlier this year was a success, according to Electoral Commission.

Swindon Borough Council was one of five local authorities which took part in the scheme.

Voters had to bring their poll card or some sort of photo ID to the polling station.

The evaluation found that 95 per cent of voters used a poll card, while four per cent used a driving licence.

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “I’m delighted to read the report from the Electoral Commission. Swindon Electoral Services Department has worked very hard along with our communications team to deliver a really effective voter ID scheme and we are pleased this has been recognised in this report.”

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “Many, many people I spoke to on the election day were surprised we hadn’t always done this.

“It is yet again a real credit to the fantastic Swindon Borough Council elections team that this was such a successful and well received pilot.”

Stephen Taylor, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “We welcome the Electoral Commission’s evaluation report and its findings as it reflects the enormous amount of work that went on behind the scenes in the run-up to the local election and on the day itself.

“The fact that such a high percentage of people said they were aware of the need to bring ID to vote and turnout was higher than in previous comparable elections showed that our extensive engagement strategy was highly effective and contributed to the successful delivery of the government-funded pilot.”

None of the non-voters surveyed by the Commission cited the new voter ID regulations as a reason for their decision.

Voter turnout was 39 per cent, five per cent higher than that for the previous local elections.

Only 25 people couldn’t vote due to not having the right ID, but for one Labour councillor, this was 25 too many.

Coun Jim Robbins said: “There’s no need to go on with this trial.

“There’s no evidence that there’s been any issues with voter fraud in Swindon in living memory.

“No-one has been able to convince us that this is a problem that needs to be solved.

“People could vote without a problem before but now 25 people have been turned away and disenfranchised.

“That's a real shame and it feels like a step backwards.

“Why are the government pushing this so hard when there are so many other issues that should be dealt with?

“Surely the huge amount of expense that went into advertising that people need proper ID could have been spent on more pressing issues.”

The commission revealed that the scheme had no impact on Swindon voters' thoughts on electoral fraud.

Its report suggests further pilot schemes should be run in 2019.