Final Reminder To Complete The Census As Scotland Showing Worst Rate of Return

31st May 2022

Today (31 May) 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.

"Today (31 May ) 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 today, 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.

The return rate in Scotland is 87% whereas in England the return reached 97% last year. Many people are critical of the Scottish government decision to wait for one year for the census due to the pandemic whereas England went ahead last year. Many public services use the census to plan services for everyone. Decision making in Scotland maybe affected for the next 10 years due to the low return rate.

Paul Lowe, Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland, said:
"Fill in your census and avoid the risk of a fine of up to £1,000."

Return Rates At 25 May 2022

Aberdeen City
85.9%

Aberdeenshire
91.0%

Angus
88.1%

Argyll and Bute
85.9%

City of Edinburgh
87.2%

Clackmannanshire
86.1%

Dumfries and Galloway
88.8%

Dundee City
81.9%

East Ayrshire
86.2%

East Dunbartonshire
88.3%

East Lothian
88.3%

East Renfrewshire
87.5%

Falkirk
87.9%

Fife
85.9%

Glasgow City
79.0%

Highland
87.9%

Inverclyde
82.0%

Midlothian
87.6%

Moray
88.7%

Na h-Eileanan Siar
91.9%

North Ayrshire
84.2%

North Lanarkshire
83.3%

Orkney Islands
91.3%

Perth and Kinross
87.1%

Renfrewshire
83.9%

Scottish Borders
88.5%

Shetland Islands
87.0%

South Ayrshire
89.2%

South Lanarkshire
85.9%

Stirling
87.8%

West Dunbartonshire
79.6%

West Lothian
87.3%