2011 Census envelopes contain more than confidential information

With millions of completed census questionnaires being sent back to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it has been revealed that some of the census envelopes contain more than ONS expected.

Glen Watson, census director, says: "I'm delighted that so many people have sent their questionnaires back promptly, but urge those who are returning their questionnaire this week to check carefully that they're not including their shopping list!

"We've had personal letters, passports and a driving licence application included with questionnaires. Where possible, items have been returned to the sender. I'd suggest that people who are finishing their census off this week should do it online (using the internet access code on the front of their
questionnaire) and avoid scooping up something essential.

"And, doing it online is the quickest way to get it back to us. It's straightforward, quick and secure."

Items which have found their way to the processing plant include:

• Cash and cheques
• A credit card
• Passports
• A set of Deeds
• Certificates
• A completed driving licence application form
• Photographs of family
• A drawing of the Queen
• Letters

"Census statistics are vital to the future of communities," Glen continues, "and are used to plan school places for the young, care facilities for the elderly, transport links, even car parking spaces at supermarkets. When every penny counts it's so important to know how many people live where so that central government funding can be shared out fairly."

Extensive online help is available at www.census.gov.uk. Replacement questionnaires can also be ordered there or from the census helpline on 0300
0201 101 (England).