Scottish census deadline extended to the end of May

The deadline for the completion of the Scottish census has been extended to the end of May.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) says by allowing outstanding online and paper returns to be submitted over an extra four weeks, it's making sure everyone across the country has the chance to complete their return and help to shape important services in their community.

Around 608,000 households are still to complete the census.

Every household is legally required to complete their return, but help remains available through the website of the census.

Any household failing to complete it could face 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: "We have now seen well over two million household returns across Scotland and I want to say a huge thank you to those who have done so.

"However, it's essential we maximise participation and ensure that everyone is heard and their needs captured.

"That is why the census completion site will be left open, support will remain in place and NRS will continue to accept paper returns for this short extension period.

"We know that there are many people who have begun the census online but haven’t completed it, and that thousands of others have requested a paper copy but haven’t yet returned it.

"It is vital that we secure as high a response rate as possible so that the census can be effective in delivering its many benefits for future public services.

"For anyone that hasn’t completed their census, I would urge them to act now."

Paul Lowe, Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland, said: "With the 1^st May deadline approaching we are continuing to receive a high volume of census returns both online and in paper and each day our contact centre is continuing to support many householders keen to submit their returns.

"We want to maximise this ongoing enthusiasm and support from across the nation to complete the census and so have put in place a short extension to ensure everyone’s return counts.

"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 also still available on request for those who need them."

The 2022 census asks questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay in, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.

New questions for this year include use of British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.