Scotland's 2021 Census Postponed by a Year

Scotland's next census is to be moved to March 2022 due to the impact of Covid-19; and for the first time will mainly be completed online.

The census is a count of Scotland's population, usually conducted every ten years by National Records of Scotland, and providing information to inform a range of decisions on future schools, hospitals, roads and transport provision. As a result of the pandemic, an options assessment was carried out during April and May 2020 by National Records of Scotland (NRS), to help inform planning for the next count.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, says the decision to move the date 'was not taken lightly', but by moving to 2022 means NRS will ensure the highest possible response rate from people across Scotland. Paul Lowe (pictured), Registrar General and CEO of NRS says the majority of people will be encouraged to complete their questionnaire online, which he said will require a 'significant' field force and face-to-face engagement in an effort to support digital participation, engage with the public and raise awareness of the census across the population.

'The census is a major logistical operation', adds Lowe, 'and the twelve months running up to a census are vital in planning and testing the effectiveness and security of systems and processes. Covid-19 restrictions have delayed or prevented many of these key activities, including engagement with key organisations, from taking place over recent months. This is the right decision for Scotland which will allow us to undertake a high quality and safe census in 2022 that will produce the rich data we need for many years to come'.

Web site: www.nrscotland.gov.uk .