Census collectors' house to house visits

The 29,000 collectors nationally will target the seven million households in the UK who have still not completed and returned census questionnaires.

To date nearly three quarters of households have completed and returned their forms, but the picture varies across the regions.

The North East is leading the way with 75 per cent of forms returned so far.

Other Government Office Region return rates put the East of England in second place with 74, East and West Midlands 73 respectively, the South East, South West and the Humber each with 72, Wales 71, and London lagging behind with 60 per cent.

The 2011 Census Director, Glen Watson, said: “I am pleased that nearly three quarters of the questionnaires have come back just nine days after Census Day.

“Collectors are all set to start work to collect questionnaires from households who haven’t sent theirs back or completed the census online.

“Our collectors will be helping and in some cases, persuading, those householders who have so far been reluctant or simply been too busy to fill in their forms.

“The regional figures are strong and I thank local authorities for all their work so far in helping raise the profile of the census.”

Census collectors’ main role is to ensure questionnaires are completed and returned and have received online and classroom training to assist them with their role.

Census field staff wear photo identification badges and carry other visibly branded items.

Collectors will never ask anyone for bank account details.

Householders who are unsure about the identity of anyone claiming to be from the census, should ask to see their proof of identity before answering any questions.

If still concerned, contact the census helpline on 0300 0201 101.