Elderly rights campaigners have warned that thousands of pensioners are struggling to take part in Scotland’s Census because they don’t have access to the internet.
Government agency National Records of Scotland sent out letters to every household in the country last week, with participation required by law.
But residents are being directed to an online form accessed via an internet code and no paper questionnaires are provided unless the householder applies online or phones a swamped hotline.
This has led to fears older people – who often don’t own a computer – will be unable to participate and could face a hefty court fine.
Age Scotland’s chief executive Brian Sloan has raised concerns about the issue.
He said: “It’s concerning that those calling for advice or to request paper copies are already facing lengthy waits.
“Not everyone is able to or chooses to use the internet, including hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland
“It’s vital to ensure older people are able to access paper copies and timely support where required.”
Gran Anne Booth, 76, told the Sunday Mail she tried to get a paper version over the phone and was told she had to wait 35 minutes for her call to be taken.
Anne, from Germiston, Glasgow, said: “To me, it is a senseless census. Most elderly people don’t know how to access the internet or aren’t comfortable online.
Everyone should have been sent a paper questionnaire, with the option of going online.”
Anne, a retired classroom assistant, knows of elderly people who have put their letter in the bin.
She added: “The problem is the letter does not look official. Many older people won’t realise they could be prosecuted as they won’t take the trouble to read it properly.”
The Scottish Government has said the census will help them make decisions about how public money will be spent on major services, including schools, roads and hospitals.
It asks questions, including a person’s age, sex, health and employment status, sexual orientation and gender status.
Forms must be returned by March 20.
A spokesperson for National Records of Scotland (NRS) said: “We understand that not everyone will be able to complete their census online, so paper copies can be requested by anyone who needs them
“We are aware our phone lines have been busy this week but there is still plenty of time for people to request a form and complete it.”
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