Census Coverage Survey launches

The next phase of Scotland’s Census 2022 gets underway today with the launch of the Census Coverage Survey (CCS).

The CCS is the second largest social research exercise in Scotland after the census itself, covering around 1.5% of households. Together with census data it helps to provide an accurate estimate of Scotland’s population and the people within it.

The survey will be conducted by door-to-door by staff carrying identification.

Paul Lowe, Registrar General for Scotland and Chief Executive, National Records of Scotland said:

“The Census Coverage Survey is a key part of the census programme and ensures a comprehensive and accurate picture of return rates across the country has been recorded.

“Even if you have completed the census, you may still be asked to take part in the coverage survey. By doing so, you are supporting the census to deliver its many benefits for service planning in Scotland. Please participate if asked to take part.”

The CCS is a standard feature of modern census operations and will run over a number of weeks. This will be the third time it has taken place in Scotland following the 2001 and 2011 censuses. Similar surveys have also been used in the rest of the UK. 

Along with other administrative data, the CCS enables statisticians to estimate for the nature and volume of missing census returns, and deliver the statistical dataset used to deliver strong outputs.

CCS staff will carry ID and their identity can be checked with a free telephone helpline on 0800 033 4010. They will never ask people for financial information like their bank account details and will not ask for money.

A small number of questions will be asked, that can either be provided on the doorstep, by completing a paper form or by speaking to the free helpline.