Final reminder to complete the census

Tomorrow is the last day to complete Scotland’s Census, as National Records of Scotland (NRS) confirms the close down of their public awareness campaign and census collection field teams on 31 May.

This is the final reminder to householders across the country to fulfil their legal responsibility and fill in their census.

Paul Lowe, Chief Executive of NRS, said: 

“It was great last week to cross the 85% response rate nationally - a major milestone in the census - and to see 25 Local Authorities exceeding their local target of 85%. I want to say a huge thank you to each and every household across the country who has done their bit. 

“Tomorrow is the last chance for households to complete and submit their census. My message to those who have yet to complete is: don’t miss out. Don’t regret not taking part. Big decisions about our local communities and our nation as a whole are based on census data. Everyone’s circumstances need to be captured to ensure the best decisions are taken, so please complete now.”

After tomorrow, NRS census field teams will disband and its community and public awareness campaign will cease. Small numbers of returns delayed for legitimate reasons will still count if returned in the days immediately after 31st May. 

From Wednesday NRS will move into the next phase of the census, known as the census coverage survey. This survey is a critical part of modern censuses and was used in 2001 and 2011 in Scotland. It supports the census and ensures a comprehensive and accurate picture of the response rates across the country has been recorded.

The census can be filled in online at census.gov.scot or on paper. Paper forms can still be ordered on the website or by calling 0800 030 8308 and will still be accepted after tomorrow.