Not filling in the Census

[ExPat2B]

So the goverment Census form dropped through the letter box this morning, and immediatly put my back up by having written in large letters " You are required by law to complete this"

What are the penalties if I don't fill it in ? What if I simply scrawl fk off on it in crayon and send it back ?

[turbolucie]

I think they send an 'enforcement officer' round to 'make' you fill it in.

[ExPat2B]

turbolucie said:

I think they send an 'enforcement officer' round to 'make' you fill it in.

And what powers would he have exactly ? I don't exactly treat people doorsteping me without invitation kindly.

[anonymous-user]

Naaa, fill in dat form, or else!!

[KrazyIvan]

ExPat2B said:

What if I simply scrawl fk off on it in crayon and send it back ?

I think they reclassify you and give you free money.

As for not filling it in.....we'll there is already another thread on that

[Ace-T]

I fill mine in with a pen using black ink, as they require. The only pen I seem to be able to locate at the time of the form filling though seems to have a 1/2" wide nib. Oh, well, never mind, at least I have filled it in.



Trace

[anonymous-user]

ExPat2B said:

turbolucie said:

I think they send an 'enforcement officer' round to 'make' you fill it in.

And what powers would he have exactly ? I don't exactly treat people doorsteping me without invitation kindly.

Maybe so, but i think filling it in is infinitely preferable to having the law turn up, and assist the enforcement officer in making you sign the form. Whether this actually happens or not, i dont know, but it's one scenario i can see them using

[turbolucie]

Everyone living or staying in the UK on census night must be included on a census questionnaire. Refusing to do so may result in prosecution.

Householders are legally responsible for completing a census questionnaire and for including all appropriate household members and visitors.

What happens if you don’t complete a questionnaire:

1. If a questionnaire is not returned, reminders will be sent out to households, and census staff will visit and offer to help householders complete their questionnaire

2. If the householder continues to refuse, information will be forwarded to the census office. A letter will be sent, along with a replacement questionnaire, to enable householders to complete the questionnaire

3. If the householder continues to refuse, census officers will make a final visit. They will offer to help the householder complete the questionnaire

4. If the householder continues to refuse, the case will be referred to solicitors. Prosecutions will take place in magistrates’ courts. Successful prosecutions will result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record

[Odie]

I didnt fill it in last time, nothing happened.

[PompeyM3]

You can do it online as well so you don't even have to use one of those pen things !

[Rude-boy]

As per the Turbo one :-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12661100

Personally I would like to see more enforcement of the penalties for those who can't be bothered.

There is very little (if anything) on there that the authorities couldn't glee for themseleves if they were interested in you and the value it adds as a historical record alone makes it worthwhile in my book.

[GKP]

CBA with it last time round and had the area chappy knocking on the door. All he did was ask how many adults lived at the address and that was it. No "what colour sofa do you sit on" or "how many different types of cheese are in the fridge" type questions.

[Cat Face]

I've already given it to my neighbours daughter to fill in. Who is 4 this year. Perfect timing too as she had run out of drawing paper

[andy400]

Do they say anything about the penalties for just making it up?

[SuperBaaaad]

Odie said:

I didnt fill it in last time, nothing happened.

Same here, we had a reminder, then the forms again, just ignored it and nothing happened.

[69 coupe]

Heard on the radio a few weeks back that 38 people were arrested/fined at the last Census.

Filled mine into the bin..

[King Herald]

I don't live in the UK, much, but I have a house there, and mailing addresses there. Do I need to fill a census in, on-line or wherever?

[dmitsi]

Do I have to tell them about the illegal immigrants I have living in my spare room?
Also if they mention household income, should I tell them about the money raised through prostitution of said illegal imiigrants?

Asking for a friend, obviously.

[carmonk]

Can't see a problem with filling it in. If there's a question I don't like, I'll either leave it or lie.

[sday12]

King Herald said:

I don't live in the UK, much, but I have a house there, and mailing addresses there. Do I need to fill a census in, on-line or wherever?

Yes, you need the code from your form to complete it online.