£1k fine warning as census deadline looms
Strath residents are being reminded to fill in the census.
Those not returning the national survey by May 1 are being warned they may face prosecution, which could lead to a criminal record and a fine of up to £1000.
Census letters have been issued to more than 2.7 million households representing 5.5 million people.
More than 90 per cent of responses received so far have been submitted online via census.gov.scot with just over nine per cent to date submitted on paper.
In 2011, only 20 per cent of all census responses were submitted online.
A census of the population has been taken every 10 years in Scotland since 1801, with the exception of 1941, because of World War Two and in 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With only days left to submit responses, National Records of Scotland chief executive Paul Lowe has warned that people who have yet to complete theirs may be subject to prosecution.
He said:“Taking part in the census is a legal responsibility. The census provides vital information required to invest in and run the services we all rely on.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has filled in their census.
“For anyone who has yet to complete it, help and support is available on the website census.gov.scot or via our free helpline on 0800 030 8308.
“Anyone who hasn’t completed it could be facing a fine, so I would strongly urge everyone to make use of our support.”
The 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.
Field teams have been visiting households to offer guidance and to advise on sources of support.
For those in greatest need of assistance, the option to complete their return over the phone is also being offered.