People in Scotland have been encouraged to compete the census if they have not already which comes as a result of a low uptake.
Because of this, households have been given an extra four weeks to complete and send them away.
Scotland’s census - our once-a-decade count of the population – takes place every ten years and is the official count of every person in the country which collects information about where you stay and the people who stay there.
READ MORE - What is Scotland's Census? How to complete once-a-decade survey
This year's census should have taken place last year however it was moved due to the impact of the covid pandemic.
According to the Scottish Government, over two million households have already completed the census – more than 77% of the total.
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) has offered the extension until the end of May in a bid to ensure everyone has the opportunity to complete their return and help shape important services in their community.
Data shows that around 68,000 households have started filling theirs in however have not yet completed it whilst a similar number is said to be true for paper copies with many yet to be returned.
Legally, every household is legally required to complete their returns with Scots being reminded that failing to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.
Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson explains: “The results of the Census help local authorities, businesses and the government plan a wide range of vital public services to improve the lives of those living and working in Scotland. The census also becomes part of our history.
“It is therefore essential that we take further steps to maximise participation, particularly given the wider challenges people have faced in recent times.
“That is why I am announcing today that National Records of Scotland will now continue to accept census returns until the end of May. This will allow the census collection period to continue for four weeks to give everyone the opportunity to complete Scotland’s Census, and allow all outstanding returns to be captured so that everyone’s voice can be heard.
“In addition to being a civic responsibility completion of the census is also a legal responsibility. Failure to meet this responsibility can result in prosecution. However, the shared focus is, and must be, on ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to complete the census.
“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 those who have already completed their census, thank you. For those still to do so, I would urge you to act now.”
If you want to know what information you're expected to provide for the census, we've made an article about everything you need to know here.
Help and support to complete the census is available on the Scotland’s Census website or via a free helpline 0800 030 8308. Paper forms are also still available on request for those who need them.
