Scottish Census (Deferral)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 24 March 2021.

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Photo of Christine Grahame Christine Grahame Scottish National Party

I note that the Scottish census has been deferred until March next year. Will the First Minister say whether that is a consequence of the Covid pandemic?

Photo of Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon Scottish National Party

Yes, that was a consequence of the pandemic. I know that other United Kingdom nations took a different decision, and there have been controversies relating to that. We want to see the census happen on its renewed timescale, because the information that it provides us with is incredibly important.