Census plea

Scottish Government chiefs have urged Renfrewshire households to complete census returns after it was revealed the area has one of country’s lowest response rates.

Figures reveal that 74 per cent of households in the area have returned this year’s census, despite a looming deadline.

National Records of Scotland bosses say 700,000 homes across Scotland have yet to fulfil their legal responsibility to complete the survey.

They say the number completing the census varies, with less than two thirds of households in Glasgow having completed their census, compared with more than eight out of every ten households in Aberdeenshire - 82.2 per cent.

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.”

Scots are threatened with a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to complete.

Help and advice to complete the census is available via the website census.gov.scot or the free helpline 0800 030 8308.

Paper forms are still available on request.