MSP Gillian Martin encourages households to complete census

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin is encouraging households to fill in their census after a four-week extension period was announced.

More than two million people have already completed the census – more than 77 percent of the total.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) has offered the extension until the end of May to ensure everyone has the opportunity to complete their return and help shape important services in their community.

Around 68,000 households have begun their census returns online, but have not yet completed them and a similar number of requested paper forms have yet to be returned.

Every household is legally required to complete their returns and Scots are reminded that failing to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “I would like to encourage everyone in the north-east who hasn’t yet managed, to complete their census forms.

“The results of the census make an important contribution in helping local authorities, businesses and government to plan a wide range of vital public services.

“It’s really important a high response rate is secured to ensure the census can play an effective role in delivering its many benefits for future public services.”

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