Estimated census response rate reaches 96 per cent as non-compliance staff start work

As the response to Scotland’s Census looks set to match that of the last census, people are reminded that they risk a fine of up to £1,000 if they don’t take part. 

One month on from census day (March 27) the estimated response rate has reached 96 per cent – a similar response rate to Scotland’s last census in 2001.  

People still to return their questionnaires are urged to do so now as non-compliance officers begin visiting households who have refused to take part. Warning letters have already been sent to around 400 addresses.

Census Director Peter Scrimgeour said:  “An estimated response of 96 per cent one month on from census day is very positive, but we continue to accept late questionnaires.

“The census supports the planning and funding of future services. It’s statistical results will give the most reliable picture of the whole of Scotland. It is important that we are all included, which is why there is a legal requirement for everyone to fill in the questionnaire.

“To householders who have yet to complete and return their questionnaires, I stress the importance of acting straight away, to avoid the risk of a fine. We sent around 200 warning letters shortly after census day and half of these households have already either returned their questionnaires or asked our helpline for a replacement. We have issued a further 200 letters in the last fortnight.

“We realise that people are busy and appreciate reminders about the census. This is the last moment to act, before members of our non-compliance team start knocking on doors.” 

Census questionnaires have been returned to Scotland worldwide coming from Europe, Asia and online, via smart phones (Blackberry and iPhone) and even game consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii.  

The estimated response rate is based on returns received at Monday 25 April with  thousands more questionnaires still arriving on a daily basis. The returns by census region so far are:  

Aberdeen City
 95
 
Aberdeenshire and Moray
 99
 
Argyll and Bute
 94
 
Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire
 100
 
Dundee and Angus
 95
 
East and North Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire
 98
 
East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire and Stirling
 98
 
Edinburgh (two census regions)
 93
 
Eilean Siar
 95
 
Falkirk and West Lothian
 98
 
Fife
 97
 
Glasgow (three census regions)
 91
 
Highland
 97
 
North Lanarkshire
 98
 
Orkney and Shetland
 100
 
Perth, Kinross and Clackmannanshire
 99
 
Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
 96
 
Scottish Borders, East Lothian and Midlothian
 99
 
South Lanarkshire
 98
 
 Scotland total
 96