Census ‘police’ start knocking on doors

CENSUS investigators go out on to the streets of Oldham for the first time today targeting households who have still not filled in their forms.

The investigators will begin interviews under caution with householders who are refusing to fill them in.

It is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution, a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000.

Since Census Day on March 27, reminders have been posted to households where there is no record of a returned form including Oldham.

A workforce of 29,000 has been offering help with with completing the questionnaire since April 6.

ONS Census director Glen Watson said: “We are now in the final phase of follow-up and people need to act straight away to avoid the risk of a fine.

“The census provides vital information to enable planners to identify future local needs for housing, roads, school places, healthcare and other public services needed by local communities. It also gives a much clearer picture of how much society is changing over time.

“Prosecution is very much the last resort.”

Census forms can still be returned in the pre-paid envelope or online via the census website at www.census.gov.uk  

Census staff always carry photo id bearing the 2011 Census logos.

More help is available online at www.census.gov.uk