Appeal for census to be completed by deadline

More than a quarter of households in Lanarkshire have still to complete census returns – despite it closing in less than a week.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) have confirmed that 700,000 householders across Scotland have yet to submit their return.

In North Lanarkshire, almost three out of 10 have yet to fulfil their legal responsibility, with submissions at 71.5 per cent.

In South Lanarkshire threequarters (75.4) of householders have already completed the census, which is slightly below the national average.

The number completing the census varies across the country, with less than two-thirds of households in Glasgow having completed it, compared with more than eight out of every 10 households in Aberdeenshire.

Across the country returns are averaging just over 76 per cent.

The 2022 census asks questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay in, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.

New questions for the 2022 census include use of British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.

With the census due to close on Sunday, May 1, every household is required to complete their return and householders are being reminded that failing to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

Angus Robertson MSP, cabinet secretary for the constitution, external affairs and culture, said:“i want to thank the two million households who have already completed the census and met their legal responsibility.

“But as we enter the final week many returns remain outstanding.

“For the census to be effective in delivering its many benefits for future public services, it is vital that we secure a higher response rate and one that reflects the diversity of our communities. Today we are calling on all of our communities and organisations to come together and to redouble their efforts to encourage participation.

“It’s absolutely essential that every householder in Scotland completes the census.”

National Records of Scotland chief executive, Paul Lowe, added: “Every single household return is vital to the overall success of the census. Census data is vital in informing decisions about services that affect us all.

“We have put in place a number of additional interventions to support those who have yet to complete a return.

“This includes a range of additional household reminders.”