Delayed Scottish Census Begins

Scotland's 2022 Census, postponed for a year due to Covid, is launched today (February 28th). The Census for England and Wales went ahead last year despite the pandemic.

A census of the population has been taken every ten years in Scotland since 1801, with the exceptions of 1941 and 2021. The Scots announced in July 2020 that 'due to the impact of Covid-19' their decennial count would be moved to March 2022, while also indicating that for the first time it would be mainly completed online. The Census in England and Wales went live on schedule last year with the 'Census Day taking place on 21st March.

The organising body National Records of Scotland (NRS) says the Census is used to plan vital public services and inform investment in areas such as education, transport, health and social care; and stresses that although most responses are likely to be made online this year, paper questionnaires will still be available for those who wish to use them. Information about taking part is being sent to more than 2.5 million households representing 5.5 million people.

New questions for the 2022 census include use of on British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, sexual orientation, trans status and previous armed forces service history. NRS Director of Statistical Services Pete Whitehouse said: 'I am delighted to launch Scotland's Census 2022 today in Glasgow and to celebrate this unique exercise, which helps us understand the shape of Scotland and informs important funding decisions for the vital public services we all rely on. It's really important that everyone participates, whether online or by paper form. Help and support is available on our website census.gov.scot or via our free helpline 0800 030 8308, for anyone who needs it'.

Web site: www.census.gov.scot .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.