How census data shapes our future « Scotland's Census: Shaping Our Future

How census data shapes our future

The answers people give to the census are used to produce anonymised statistics that help central and local government and other organisations decide where billions of pounds of public money will be spent every year, for example on services everyone needs, such as education, transport, housing and healthcare.

The census is unique because it is the only survey to include everyone in the country. It asks the same questions of us all and in doing so builds a reliable picture of Scotland as a whole, as well as for groups of people and local communities within it. If the census misses anyone, you or someone you know could lose out, that is why it is so important that everyone participates in completing the census.

Below are links to real-life examples of how organisations have found Census data invaluable in planning local provision of a wide range of services, and in promoting diversity amongst Scotland's communities.