Scotland's official Census Day is Sunday, March 20 but Scottish households can complete the survey online or on paper now - and to see just easy or difficult it is, team Glasgow Live tried filling theirs out today (Tuesday 15 March).
The answers people give to census questions can help determine important budget decisions for Scotland and every household is legally required to fill one out, or face a £1000 fine.
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As we start our application by putting in the internet access code we received in the post into the official census website here, we are asked to confirm the postal address connected to the code (fortunately everything matches up).
Next, you are required to make a password so that you are able to pause and come back to filling out the census.
We're then told that the questionnaire will ask us:
- about 20 questions about your household
- up to 45 questions about each person who stays there
All of the information you're asked to provide has to be correct as of 20 March 2022 as the census gives a 'snapshot' of Scotland on this date.
Once started, you can save and complete at a later point (thanks to the password you set up at the start) but you must submit your response by 1 May 2022.
According to the website, it should take you about 15 minutes per person to complete - although it only took us about ten!
The new questions in this year's census about trans status or history, sexual orientation, and religion are voluntary and you do not have to answer these questions if you do not want to.
However, as the census is for information on March 20, you have to put whether you'll have a visitor staying on that night and include their details.
Everything from that point is very straightforward as we're asked about:
- the type of accommodation we live in - this includes:
- who lives in your household and what type of accommodation you have
- whether you rent or own your home
- other details, like the type of central heating you use and how many cars or vans the household has
- household relationships
- age, sex and health
- employment, education and qualifications
- religion and ethnic group
- car and van ownership
Follow the instructions in your letter to get started - if you have lost your letter, order a replacement.
