Two centuries of the Census

This month sees a landmark Census – the first since the creation of the Scottish parliament and the first of this millennium. Statistical history in the making, but what does it mean for us?

THE first Census of the new Millennium  will be held on 29th April, with the catchy logo: “Count Us In!”

The Census is a record of information about all the people – even new-born babies – and households throughout Scotland and the UK. It has taken place every 10th year since 1801. Everyone is obliged to take part by law, and this is the first Census to be held under the Scottish Parliament.

Says Gordon Hurrell, who is managing the Census in the Highlands, “Accurate and reliable information on the number and characteristics of people in each local area enables those who form policy, distribute resources, and deliver services to do so effectively. This should lead to better services for the community.”

Quite a few questions are asked in the Census form, some which might be regarded as quite personal. But one of the key elements of the Census is its total confidentiality. All sorts of bodies, government and  otherwise, may make use of the statistics gathered, but everyone remains anonymous and NO-ONE is identified for at least a century.

Altogether some 400 staff have been taken on to help run the Census in the Highlands. The Census forms will be delivered this month by  enumerators and has to be completed by the head of each household.

This should take a matter of a few minutes – but anyone that has any difficulty filling it out can get help from the Census telephone Helpline, which will be on the front page of the form. There is specialist help for those with sight or language problems.

“The Census will give all those who provides public and private services the kind of knowledge they need in order to make decisions – which in most cases will help improve you quality of life!” said Mr Hurrell.