There's still time to complete the Census - it's a legal requirement and support is available
1 million households in Scotland have still to return their completed Census. For the first time ever, the Census can be completed online.
You have until Sunday 1 May to complete your form.
Do you know about the support that's available and what happens with your data? Here's 7 things about Scotland's Census you might not have known that could help you.
📞 You can complete the census over the phone
Call 0800 030 8308.
Calls are free-of-charge from UK landlines and mobile phones and available Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 4pm. Calls can also be made in most languages.
✅ The Census comes in different languages and accessible formats
Versions of the Census include braille, British Sign Language, audio and large print. Guidance is also available in 16 languages to help you complete a paper questionnaire in English.
Find out more: https://www.census.gov.scot/help/language-and-accessibility-help
📝 You can request a paper questionnaire
You should receive your paper questionnaire within 5 working days.
If you request a paper questionnaire, you can still change your mind and complete online. Please only submit one return for your household.
Call 0800 030 8308 or go online to make a request: https://www.census.gov.scot/request/paper
🏡 Home visits offer more support to complete the Census
Field teams are visiting households to offer guidance and to advise on sources of support.
Field teams will always show formal identification, and respondents can verify their identity by calling the helpline on 0800 030 8308. They will be observing all public health guidelines and will not cross the threshold of a residence.
Remember: Census teams will never ask you for money or personal financial information.
🙏 Census data helps in many different ways including helping charities
Edinburgh charity Dads Rock used data from the Census to overcome language barriers and reach out to more dads about the support they offer. The charity created posters in other common languages used in Edinburgh, such as Spanish, Polish and Chinese.
Read more: https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/case-studies/supporting-dads-in-edinburgh/
🚨 Completing the Census is a legal requirement
If you do not fill in the census, a census officer will contact you and encourage you to complete it. They will help you access any support you need to fill in your form.
Failing to complete the Census could result in a fine of up to £1,000 plus court costs!
💯 Census data is private for 100 years
Access to Census data is tightly controlled and it will not be shared - it is against the law for anybody who works on or with the census to make public any personal details from the census during the 100-year period. Data cannot be used to change services you receive.
Find out more: https://www.census.gov.scot/your-privacy/protecting-your-privacy
Author:
Chris Park
Publish Date:
Apr 5, 2022