These agencies - the major companies being Experian, Equifax and Callcredit plc - provide this information so that a lender can decide whether or not they will lend you money.

When applying for credit, you will be asked by the lender for your consent to check your credit file. This allows them to see a number of things - such as you are who you say you are; confirmation of where you live (your file should show you listed on the electoral roll); how much your current commitments are; how reliable you are at making payments on time etc.

Having looked at this information, the lender will then make a decision as to whether they will lend you money. If you are refused credit, it is not because you are on a 'blacklist', it will be down to you not meeting the lender's criteria.

The criteria  - which varies from lender to lender - is based on your financial profile being 'Credit scored' and apart from your credit history, a lender will take in to account your occupation, your age, whether you are a homeowner etc.

If you are considering getting credit, it is worth contacting one of the credit reference agencies to see a copy of your report. You can then check that all the information on it is correct such as you being on the electoral roll, for example. The cost to see your file will be upwards of £2.

Contact Experian, Equifax or Callcredit plc for more information.