Last chance for Wirral people to complete census

May 5 2011

TIME is running out for people in Wirral to fill in their Census forms and avoid the risk of prosecution.

The deadline for filling in the document is Friday, May 6. Forms can be returned by post, or online at www.census.gov.uk.

Census investigators have been visiting households who have not returned their form, and will be conducting interviews under caution with those who are refusing to fill it in.

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."

"We realise people lead busy lives and completing their census might not be top of their ‘to do’ list, but the time to act is now.

"Where people refuse to complete their form a formal investigation is undertaken and they can be interviewed under caution, evidence gathered and those details passed to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"A court hearing, a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000 may follow."

Over three quarters of the population in England and Wales have already completed and returned their census questionnaires, but there are still householders in Wirral that have not done so.

The amount of money that public services such as the police, fire, ambulance, the NHS and the council receive is based upon the region's population, so it is vital it is as accurate as possible.

If you need advice call the helpline on 0300 0201 101.