Other census queries FAQs « Scotland's Census: Shaping Our Future

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Top FAQs How to fill in your questionnaire Census questions Help and support Privacy and confidentiality Background to the census Follow-up surveys Other census queries

Other census queries FAQs

1. What are the next steps?
2. I want to know more about the census results
3. Will the census count everyone?
4. Why was my questionnaire posted instead of being hand delivered?
5. Why has the census taker (enumerator) called back when I have returned my census questionnaire?
6. Why have I received a reminder card when my census questionnaire has been returned?
7. Why does General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) automatically give people paper questionnaires?
8. I have received a questionnaire that is not for this address. What should I do?
9. There is a mistake in the printed address on the front of the questionnaire. What should I do?
10. Why have I received a letter from the Registrar General?

Top1. What are the next steps

The information gathered from the census will be processed and analysed before the results are published from the second hlf of 2012. You can watch the questionnaires' journey on the BBC's website.

Find out more about the census results.

Top2. I want to know about the census results.

The statistics produced from the census are referred to as 'outputs'. We are currently focusing on the design of the statistical outputs from the 2011 Census as part of the final phase of our extensive consultation programme.

If you were not contacted by us to take part in previous consultations but would like to have your say as we move to finalising our plans for outputs, then please email us at "Census Data Outputs Consultation - 2011" using our Contact Form. Please note that this is located on the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) website.

For further details about earlier consultations please visit the GROS website or our census timetable.

The first results from Scotland's 2011 Census are planned for publication from the second half of 2012.

The detailed statistical outputs will be presented in a variety of formats such as tables, graphs and charts and maps. The results will be comparable across different areas of Scotland, with other parts of the UK and also with previous censuses. The suite of census products being developed are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of statistics users: from local authorities, government and business, to community groups and members of the general public.

The 2001 Census statistics can be accessed on the SCROL website.

Top3. Will the census count everyone?

Yes. By analysing census responses alongside internationally recognised statistical techniques, we estimate that statistics from the last census covered at least 99.7 per cent of the population.

We make every effort to ensure that everyone is included in the census. Our census takers (enumerators) will return to households that have not returned their questionnaire after census day to offer help. Census non-compliance officers will then visit people who refuse to fill it in. We will report to the Procurator Fiscal people who continue to refuse to take part.

We know the census statistics are reliable because we hold two follow-up surveys shortly after census day and - when the results of these are combined with census returns - these give us a complete picture of Scotland’s population.

The follow-up surveys, Census Coverage Survey (CCS) and Census Quality Survey (CQS), are carried out shortly after census day. Carried out on a small-scale these allow us to make a high-quality estimate of the numbers and characteristics of people missed by the census itself..

The methods used to produce the estimates have been quality assured by a panel of external experts and are used across the whole of the UK. They are a development of the methods successfully used in 2001.

Top 4. Why was my questionnaire posted instead of being hand delivered?

For the more remote parts of Scotland it is the most cost effective and efficient way to deliver your questionnaire.

Top 5. Why has the census taker (enumerator) called back when I have returned my census questionnaire?

There may be a short delay before census takers (enumerators) are informed of postal or online returns.

Top 6. Why have I received a reminder card when my census questionnaire has been returned?

There may be a short delay before census takers (enumerators) are informed of postal or online returns.

Top7. Why does General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) automatically give people paper questionnaires?

We are keen to ensure the environmental impact of the census is kept to a minimum. We have to send a questionnaire to every household because we don’t know who will want to fill it in on paper and who will want to fill it in online. Printed products such as questionnaires and envelopes have been, where practicable, produced using recycled or recyclable materials

Top8. I have received a questionnaire that is not for this address. What should I do?

Please call the Helpline for advice.

Top9. There is a mistake in the printed address on the front of the questionnaire. What should I do?

If you are filling in the paper version please write your correct address in the box on the front page of the questionnaire, fill in the questionnaire and return it in the envelope provided.

Top10. Why have I received a letter from the Registrar General?

You have received a letter because we think you have not yet returned your census questionnaire. Completing the census form is a legal requirement under the Census Act 1920. You risk a fine of up to £1,000 if you do not fill in and return the questionnaire.