EXCLUSIVE

Medway has the highest rate in Kent of people who have not returned their census.

More residents in the Towns have failed to return the forms than anywhere else in the county, the Messenger has learned.

Scores of census collectors have been calling on people in Medway who have not completed their questionnaires three times a week and will now be stepping up their visits.

This year's census, which was sent to every household in the country to provide a snapshot of the nation, should have been completed on Sunday, March 27.

People could either fill out the questionnaire by hand or do it online. It is legal requirement to complete the form, with those who fail to do so facing a fine up to £1,000 and criminal record.

A census source said: "People in Medway have mostly been apologetic, promising they would complete their forms and many didn't know they could be fined or get a criminal record if they don't do it.

"But others were not so friendly and some gave verbal abuse when they were called on."

Census officials would not confirm how many people in Medway have not completed their forms or who are refusing to carry out the process, but confirmed reminder letters have been sent to many households.

A spokesman said: "Our staff have been reminding people and offering help for a month now.

"We've sent reminder letters and cards to many households who haven't responded.

"Where people refuse to fill it in, we give them one last chance in writing to do so, with a new questionnaire.

"If they still refuse they may get a visit from our specially trained non- compliance officers.

"Our officers will consider any mitigating circumstances before preparing an evidence file that will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service which will decide which cases to prosecute.

"At any time throughout this process though, people can fill in and return their forms. Prosecution is a last resort."

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