Dundee has achieved a below average return rate for census forms as the information gathering effort enters its final week.
The city achieved a return rate of just 80.8% the National Records of Scotland (NRS) confirmed.
Two of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas achieved a 90% completion rate with more than half over 85%.
The national completion rate stands at 2,210,265 households, with more than four in every five households having completed across 30 areas.
Aberdeenshire and the Western Isles have both now exceeded 90% and a total of 19 council areas have reached 85%.
Census returns must be submitted by the end of May; failure to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.
Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture said: “Thousands of households are continuing to submit their returns before the deadline.
“It’s great that we are seeing this increase in census response rates right across Scotland, but it is vital that we secure as high a rate as possible so that the census can be effective in delivering its many benefits for future public services.
“Census data informs how and where public money is spent on vital services, from the building of new schools and hospitals to improving transport links and understanding health needs.
“I would urge everyone who has not completed their census to do so immediately and before the end of May, to avoid the risk of prosecution.
“Our field teams are out each day visiting those addresses across Scotland where we know we have not received a return and offering to fill in your census return there and then, supporting those who still need help.”
The 2022 census will benefit Scotland for many years; it 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 the 2022 census include use of British Sign Language, passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.
Key local census return rates include-
Dundee- 80.8%
Fife- 84.6%
Perth & Kinross- 85.8%
Angus- 86.9%
Aberdeenshire- 90.2%
- Census help is available online here or by calling the free helpline on 0800 030 8308.
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