Why is it we get fleeced in the UK to look at Census records which should be available to us freely?

Question

If you've ever tried to trace you ancestors you'll know what I mean! Genes reunited,ancestry.com etc etc charge a lot of money to browse these documents which in my view should be available to everyone free of charge.

Answer 1

i know what you mean...they only do a few things that are for free or give u so much info. ive spent quite a bit finding my ancestors...and im far from finished!

Answer 2

It is NOT fair AT ALL that we have to pay for things like this.

Answer 3

I agree!

Answer 4

Another  one in agreement with you here. And also how does it fit in with the freedom of information act? I know a charge can be made but is there a set amount that can be charged. Maybe if we all stop using these sites for a month would they drop or reduce the fees?

Sorry not really an answer just more questions.

Answer 5

Try your local or any other public library as you can access Ancestry Library Edition thorough the library and this is free to do so. Through Ancestry Library, you can get access to all available censuses and some other records as well. Plus you can usually book a computer in advance through the Peoples Network - 2 hour sessions is the max but you can always go back later, I think.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Well there is bound to be admin involved in setting all the records up which should be covered by those looking for records and not the genral public from tax funds but i'm sure they do overcharge to make their own profit.

Maybe you can get Boris on the case.

Answer 7

UK answer.

I totally agree with you. Although I have to admit I pay for the world collection with www.ancestry.com for my money I can access every document they have on their data base. I do look ups for people on here for FREE, and then share the image via ancestry.com. To do this for you I need your email address, if you  would  like to email me through my yahoo profile with the information you would like me to find for you, I am quite happy to do so.

Answer 8

Oh tell me about it! It's disgusting and anything to make money. that should be free for us as it's our OWN information about our OWN families! Makes you laugh doesn't it?

Answer 9

yes totally agree with you, the census records used to be free to look at a few years ago when i was researching my family tree as was a database for the county i live in which contained all births/deaths etc

these sites are just cashing in on public domain documents

Answer 10

Yes especially by that one thats name is a number! Paid up but did not see what I wanted!

Answer 11

You are right we do get fleeced.  But this should not surprise you.  We get fleeced for everything here.