Nearly a quarter of Fife households still to complete the Scottish census

Nearly a quarter of households in Fife are still yet to complete and return their census, according to official figures.

National Records of Scotland says as of 4am this morning, the household return rate in the Kingdom sat at 76.5 per cent.

700,000 households across Scotland are still to return their census responses.

Today marks the start of the final week for households across the country to submit their census responses if they have yet to have done so.

The deadline for submissions is this Sunday 1 May, with any household failing to send their census response by then facing possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Angus Robertson MSP, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture said: "I want to thank the two million households who have already completed the census and met their legal responsibility.

"But as we enter the final week many returns remain outstanding.

"For the census to be effective in delivering its many benefits for future public services, it is vital that we secure a higher response rate and one that reflects the diversity of our communities.

"Today we are calling on all of our communities and organisations to come together and to redouble their efforts to encourage participation.

"It’s absolutely essential that every householder in Scotland completes the census."

Paul Lowe, the Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland, said: "Every single household return is vital to the overall success of the census.

"Census data is vital in informing decisions about services that affect us all.

"We have put in place a number of additional interventions to support those who have yet to complete a return.

"This includes a range of additional household reminders.

"Our field team have already undertaken more than 750,000 household visits to support those who have not completed, and are continuing to make these visits.

"Help and support to complete your census is available on our website census.gov.scot or via our free helpline 0800 030 8308.

"Paper forms are still available on request for those who need them."