Scotland’s Census takes place every ten years, and Census 2011 questionnaire forms should be completed by householders on or around Sunday 27 March.
The Census gathers information that is needed to help plan and provide future public services – for example knowing how many young people there are or how many residents are approaching retirement helps to plan future health service provision.
Householders have a legal duty to fill in and return the questionnaire, which asks for details about everyone who usually lives at that address. There is also a section requesting basic information about anyone else living in the property on the night of 27 March. Failure to return the questionnaire could lead to a fine of £1000, but personal information contained in the document is protected by law – your personal details are kept confidential for 100 years by the General Register Office for Scotland.
The Census questionnaire is quite straightforward to complete but help and support is available. For more information go to www.scotlandcensus.gov.uk or call the helpline on 0300 123 1702 – lines are now open from 8am – 8pm.
Dave Pickering
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