Census return rate rises to 80pc after decision to extend deadline

SCOTLAND’S census return rate now stands at 80 per cent, following the decision last week to extend the deadline.

Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson extended the deadline by four weeks to the end of this month, citing a low response rate. At the time of his announcement last Thursday, 77.2 per cent of households had responded to the census.

Following the extension, opposition MSPs criticised the fact that Scotland’s census had been delayed from 2021 to 2022.

Mr Robertson said: ‘By allowing outstanding online and paper returns to be submitted until the end of May, we can ensure that everyone across the country has the opportunity to complete their return and help to shape important services in their community.’

Paul Lowe, chief executive for National Records of Scotland, said: ‘Thank you to the eight out of ten householders across Scotland who have already done their bit and filled in their census.

‘Can I pay particular tribute to the people of Aberdeenshire, South Ayrshire and Na h-Eileanan Siar where over 85 per cent of households have completed and returned their census.’