Background

A census of population in Scotland has been held every 10 years since 1801 (except 1941 during the war). The last Census was held in 2001 and results from it are available on the Scotland's Census Results Online (SCROL) website. The Census provides a snapshot of the Scottish population which Local Authorities, Central Government, Health Boards and numerous other groups use to plan services for the public.

 

In March 2005 the Registrars General of Scotland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland agreed (subject to the need for approval where appropriate by the relevant legislatures) the intention to conduct Censuses simultaneously throughout the United Kingdom (UK) in 2011. A key aim for the 2011 Census is to promote UK harmonisation and to produce consistent and coherent outputs for the UK and for each component country. Read United Kingdom Harmonisation to see the full statement of agreement between the Registrars General.

 

The three Census offices have also agreed to apply the principles set out in the 2011 Census Quality Strategy.

 

Every householder in Britain is obliged by law to complete a Census questionnaire. Because the Census is compulsory, people have the right to expect the information they provide is to be kept confidential. This statement on Census Confidentiality describes briefly how that confidentiality is secured.